After spending two-and-a-half precious years at Allianz Australia, Mark Wood has decided to accept a brand new challenge at Suncorp Insurance. The industry veteran will join the Insurance giant as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).
It is a rub in the wound for Allianz, though, as Mark joins their direct competitors in the market. He told Allianz that he wanted to leave the company at the start of October. But he only recently made the decision to join Suncorp’s extended Insurance division.
In a social media post, Mark stated:
“…the role is a very exciting opportunity with such a great company, and I am looking forward to meeting my new colleagues.”
Suncorp Insurance also confirmed the appointment and was delighted about it. The organization is hoping that Mark will provide the perfect balance for them between technology and banking. His leadership qualities will also help the company leverage technological tools for better customer engagement.
Suncorp said in the press release:
“Mike’s global experience in implementing IT strategy and direction will be an asset to Suncorp’s Insurance business as it continues to undergo digital changes.”
The much-decorated tech expert also spent five long years at Westpac as CIO, before joining Allianz Australia. Mark showed his flexibility skills in his Westpac days. At first, he was the company’s banking CIO in 2014. Then, he went on to be the CIO of its Retail department. And then, finally, Mark went on to become the CIO of Westpac itself. Suncorp will be expecting the same level of expertise and diversity from the veteran.
Brendan Dunne, the Chief Customer and Operations Officer of Allianz Australia, told the media that the company is already in the market for a new CIO who’s experienced in the field and who’ll lead the org’s IT operations. He said in his statement:
“This role will be responsible for our IT strategy and operations, including IT transformation and our technology and tools supporting our customers and workplace. In the meantime, we are pleased to advise Pete Oakes has commenced in the role of Acting CIO.”
“Pete has been with Allianz for 15 years and is well placed to act in the CIO role, with his deep understanding of our IT transformation roadmap. Together with Pete, we have a strong team in place that is delivering on our IT strategy for benefit of our customers and employees,” Dunne continued.
With Suncorp edging ahead of Allianz in the Australian Insurance market in recent times in terms of turnovers, it will be interesting to see whether Mark’s appointment at Suncorp widens the gap between the two or closes it.
