Australian primary insurer Suncorp Group has announced the appointment of Steve Johnston as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.
He succeeds Michael Cameron, whose departure was announced back in May 2019. He held the role for nearly four years.
Johnston has been serving as acting CEO of Suncorp since that time, although the Board said that his permanent appointment was only approved after a “competitive and robust recruitment process.”
Prior to this role, Johnston served as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Suncorp with responsibility for financial reporting and management, Legal and Company Secretariat, taxation, investor relations, corporate affairs and sustainability.
Deputy CFO Jeremy Robson will continue in the Acting Group CFO role while Suncorp looks for a suitable candidate to fill the position.
“Steve was the outstanding candidate,” said Suncorp Chairman Christine McLoughlin. “He has a clear vision for Suncorp’s future, a deep understanding of Australia and New Zealand’s financial services industry and the organisation, as well as high regard and confidence from his colleagues.”
“The Board is delighted that he has accepted the offer to lead the company at an important juncture in its history, as it seeks to take a leadership position in the newly defined and dynamic operating environment,” she continued.
Johnston joined Suncorp in 2006 and has held various senior positions during his tenure at the company, including as Deputy CFO and as EGM Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs.
Prior to joining Suncorp, he was General Manager Corporate & Government Relations at Telstra and he has also held senior positions in the Queensland Government.
“Having worked for Suncorp for nearly 14 years, I have acquired a deep understanding of our banking, wealth and insurance operations, and have immense pride and passion for Suncorp and our people,” Johnston said.
“Steve’s vision for our company leverages our strong digital foundations, embraces an innovation mindset, builds on our customer-centric culture and invests in the capability of our people,” McLoughlin added.
“The Board is confident in his ability and drive to achieve results and deliver for both our customers and shareholders.”
