Suncorp Group appoints new chief risk officer

Suncorp Group has appointed Bridget Messer as head of risk, replacing Fiona Thompson who has taken on the newly created role of group executive for people, culture, and advocacy.

Messer comes to the Queensland-based insurance and banking giant from London-based IG Group where she was head of commerce and a non-executive director.

She will join Suncorp's executive leadership team and relocate from the UK to Brisbane.

Longstanding executive Stuart Cameron will remain acting chief risk officer until Messer's arrival early next year.

Suncorp chief executive Steve Johnston said Messer's background in digital, technology, and financial services will be invaluable and that she brings deep commercial experience and a global perspective after leading teams across multiple geographies.

"Our risk function is a key enabler of Suncorp's strategy, ensuring the group's systems, processes, and services are well-positioned to support our growth ambitions," he said.

"Ensuring we have strong risk oversight, culture and strategy remain critical as we navigate today's regulatory environment and as Suncorp focuses on digital and technology-led growth."

Messer said: "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."

In August, Suncorp reported a 42 percent jump in annual cash earnings to $1.04 billion, due to record low interest rates and higher insurance profits.