Chubb announces leadership change for Australia and New Zealand

Chubb announces leadership change for Australia and New Zealand | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

Chubb announces leadership change for Australia and New Zealand

Appointment to bolster general insurance business

Insurance News

By
Roxanne Libatique

Chubb has announced the appointment of Ben Howell as country president of its general insurance operations in Australia and New Zealand.

Howell, who is currently executive vice president and head of consumer for Chubb Asia-Pacific, will oversee the company’s property, casualty, and personal lines business in the region.

Chubb’s new country president for GI in Australia and New Zealand

Howell’s appointment is set to take effect on September 1, 2024, pending regulatory approval.

In his new role, he will report to Marcos Gunn, regional president of Chubb Asia-Pacific. He succeeds Peter Kelaher, who has been named division president for continental Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa at Chubb.

Commenting on the latest appointment, Gunn highlighted Howell’s track record in leading teams and driving business innovation.

“Ben is a highly respected insurance professional with a wealth of experience gained while working in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “With a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and driving business innovation while delivering profitable growth, Ben is well placed to further elevate our general insurance business in Australia and New Zealand.”

With over two decades in the insurance industry, Howell began his career with Chubb as an underwriter in Sydney in 2002. He worked with other global insurers before returning to Chubb in 2016, holding various senior positions across the Asia-Pacific region. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Finance and Laws from Macquarie University.

Paul McNamee has been appointed as executive vice president of Chubb Group and president of overseas general insurance.

McNamee, who has nearly 30 years of industry experience, will oversee Chubb’s general insurance business in 51 countries outside North America. His previous roles include regional president of Asia-Pacific and president of North America property & specialty lines.

Operating out of New York, McNamee will report directly to Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and CEO, and John Keogh, president and COO. He takes over from Juan Luis Ortega, who has transitioned to lead Chubb’s North America insurance operations.