Suncorp announces new chief risk officer

The Brisbane-based company announced on Thursday that Bridget Messer will take on the role, joining from London’s IG Group where she served as executive director and chief commercial officer.

“Bridget brings expertise across regulatory, compliance, legal and governance in a high-growth business, and we are delighted to welcome her to Suncorp to lead our risk function,” group CEO Steve Johnson said.

“She also has deep commercial experience and a global perspective, having led teams across multiple geographies.

“Ensuring we have strong risk oversight, culture and strategy remains critical as we navigate today’s regulatory environment and as Suncorp focuses on digital and technology-led growth.”

Ms Messer will also be a member of Suncorp’s executive leadership team following her return from London to Brisbane.

“As a Queenslander, the iconic Suncorp brand is very familiar to me and I am looking forward to returning home to work with teams across the business to continue to embed a strong rigour and focus on managing risk,” Ms Messer said.

Suncorp executive Stuart Cameron will remain acting CRO until Ms Messer commences next year.

The appointment comes after it was announced last week that Suncorp’s Australian life insurance business, Asteron Life & Superannuation, was acquired by fellow insurer TAL.

Moving forward, TAL will be the issuer of Asteron Life’s life insurance policies.

“Importantly, this milestone has not changed how the group does business with its policyholders and customers,” TAL said in a statement.

“Asteron Life policyholders and lives insured are now TAL Life policyholders and lives insured, and there are no changes to any policy terms and conditions. The Asteron brand also remains in the market.”

Neil Griffiths

Neil is the Deputy Editor of the wealth titles, including ifa and InvestorDaily.

Neil is also the host of the ifa show podcast.