Suncorp-Metway Limited (SUN) has appointed Patrick Snowball as the group’s chief executive officer. The company said Mr Snowball’s background includes 19 years as an executive with UK insurance group Aviva and more recently a deputy chairman and chairman’s role with Towergate for the past two years.

Suncorp said Mr Snowball also served as a non-executive director of Jardine Lloyd Thompson over the past year.

Suncorp chairman John Story said the company was pleased to announce the appointment of a leader with financial services experience across the UK, North America and Asia.

“Patrick Snowball is uniquely qualified to lead Suncorp through a period of fundamental change and renewed growth as the Group reshapes itself to respond to the challenges of the external market,” Mr Story said.

“Importantly, we have appointed a CEO who meets the criteria set by the Suncorp Board and who, we believe, will meet the expectations of all our stakeholders.”

Mr Snowball said he had accepted the role because he was confident about the underlying strength of the group’s businesses and the potential that exists within its strong stable of financial services brands.

Suncorp said Mr Snowball would join the financials services conglomerates board, replacing acting CEO Chris Skilton as of 1 September.

The company said Mr Snowball’s appointment followed an extensive global search, which considered internal and external candidates. The appointment remains subject to conditions noted in his employment contract.

At close of trade yesterday, Suncorp shares were trading at $6.70.