31 July 2015 Insurance

IAG launches new division; senior exec steps down

General insurer Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has appointed Peter Harmer as chief executive of IAG labs, with responsibility for driving digital and innovation across IAG and its brands.

The new division, a digital hub for innovation, will bring together a number of existing functions as well as creating some new incubator areas which will specifically explore new opportunities across the broader business.

This follows Harmer’s appointment in March to the role of chief digital officer with a remit to develop a group-wide digital strategy. He previously served as chief executive of IAG’s commercial insurance business in Australia.

As part of this, Alex Harrison, chief executive of enterprise operations, has decided to leave IAG. He joined the insurer in 2010 as chief operating officer for its then Australia direct division.

IAG’s chief strategy officer, Leona Murphy, will take on additional responsibility for the enterprise operations division which is responsible for support services across IAG’s Australian business including people and culture, procurement and supply chain.

Mike Wilkins, managing director and chief executive officer of IAG, said: “Our rapidly changing operating environment means we must continue to explore new ways of doing business with our customers. The shift to digital in particular is happening at an incredible pace, and we see a significant opportunity to evolve quickly in this area.

“Since taking on the role of chief digital officer in March, Peter has been looking at how we can take advantage of the shift to digital and be more inventive, which is why we’ve created IAG labs.”

Harmer added: “This is an exciting opportunity for IAG to be more strategic, agile and innovative in how we deliver to our customers as we build this new division.”

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