Snowball to head Australian insurer

Patrick Snowball has been appointed chief executive of Suncorp, a leading Australian banking and insurance company.

Suncorp said it had carried out an ‘exhaustive national and international search’ before appointing the former Aviva boss.

Snowball said. “I am excited about the prospect of leading one of Australia and New Zealand?s largest financial services companies through a critical stage of its corporate development and in one of the toughest global operating environments seen in many years.

”I have accepted the CEO role because I am very confident about the underlying strength of the group?s businesses and the potential that exists within its strong stable of financial services brands.

“Mr Story and the Board have been very open about the challenges Suncorp faces and the expectations of its various stakeholders.

“My family and I are looking forward to relocating to Australia and setting up home in Brisbane.”

Suncorp chairman John Story said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of an outstanding leader with extensive financial services experience and who has overseen businesses with operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, India and Asia.

“Patrick Snowball is uniquely qualified to lead Suncorp through a period of fundamental change and renewed growth as the Group reshapes itself to respond to the challenges of the external market.

“Importantly, we have appointed a CEO who meets the criteria set by the Suncorp Board and who, we believe, will meet the expectations of all our stakeholders.”