AIA creates new strategic role

AIA Australia has promoted its head of risk to the role of chief transformation officer as the insurer prepares to become a faster, simpler, and more connected business.

In this newly created position of chief transformation officer,  Mike Thornton will steer the insurer through its three-year journey to enhance the end-to-end experience for its customers, partners, and employees.

Before joining AIA in 2016, Thornton spent nearly five years at AMP, most recently as group risk officer, and 23 years at AXA Asia Pacific ending up in a similar role.

AIA Australia chief executive Damien Mu called Thornton's appointment an exciting milestone in the insurer's journey. "His leadership will ensure that AIA Australia is set up for success," he said.

"I believe we have a great opportunity to build upon the good work we have been doing by enhancing the end-to-end experience for our people, partners, and customers," added Thornton.

"We're now investing in our business to create a simpler, faster, and more connected experience for them. It's an exciting time for AIA and I'm thrilled to be leading this transformation".

Thornton will be replaced as chief risk officer by Gerry Schipper.

Before joining AIA in 2010,  Schipper was an audit partner in Deloitte's China and South Africa offices.