Insurance Firms Announce Major Leadership Realignment
New executive appointments at major carriers may signal changes to underwriting and affinity strategies for regional businesses.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
Major insurance firms including Chubb, Gallagher Australia, and DUAL Australia have announced significant leadership changes across the Australia and New Zealand markets. These appointments arrive as regional insurance entities shuffle top-level talent to steer property, casualty, and affinity business units.
Why it matters
These appointments reflect a broader trend of talent migration among major insurers in the region as firms reorganize leadership following executive departures and growth pivots. For operators, such personnel shifts often signal changes in underwriting appetite or strategic focus for commercial and liability coverage.
The regional insurance market sees fresh leadership, with John Mutton bringing 35 years of industry experience to his new role following a 2-year tenure at Community Broker Network. Meanwhile, Jane Makin joins her new firm after spending over 3.5 years at Berkley Insurance Australia.
The players
Chubb
A global provider of insurance and reinsurance products with significant commercial operations across Australia and New Zealand.
Kathleen Warden
The newly appointed head of property and casualty for Chubb who previously led AIG Australia.
Gallagher Australia
The local arm of a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm focused on commercial and affinity markets.
John Mutton
The incoming managing director of the affinity division at Gallagher Australia with three decades of industry experience.
Jane Makin
The new senior liability underwriter at DUAL Australia who previously worked at Berkley Insurance Australia.
The details
Kathleen Warden assumes oversight of Chubb's property and casualty operations in Australia and New Zealand, moving from her previous role as chief executive at AIG Australia. Gallagher Australia has tapped John Mutton to head its affinity division, where he will also join the firm's Australia Executive Committee. Additionally, DUAL Australia has bolstered its liability team by bringing on Jane Makin as a senior underwriter, marking a localized shift in expertise among these major insurance providers.
Timeline
April 2026: Ben Howell resigned as Chubb country president for Australia and New Zealand.
August 2026: Jon Longmore was named country president for New Zealand.
October 2026: Kathleen Warden concluded her tenure as chief executive at AIG Australia.
Early 2027: John Mutton will officially join Gallagher Australia.
Market Landscape
These appointments follow the established pattern of leadership transitions occurring throughout the Australian insurance sector since early 2026. The shift signals a period of organizational realignment as major brokers and carriers prioritize specific division growth.
Operators should monitor these leadership shifts for potential changes in underwriting criteria or service delivery from their current insurance partners. Consider reviewing your upcoming liability or property renewal terms as new management teams often initiate refreshed risk assessment protocols.
The takeaway
These changes reflect a wider movement of senior talent across the regional insurance landscape that may impact service terms. Monitor the communication channels of these firms in early 2027 to identify any updates to their underwriting guidelines or affinity program offerings.
What happens next
John Mutton will formally commence his new role as managing director of the affinity division at Gallagher Australia in early 2027.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Business.
