Suncorp director Duncan West has taken over as chair, replacing Christine McLoughlin, who left following Friday’s annual general meeting.

Ms McLoughlin chaired the board for seven years, and Mr Duncan says his predecessor “led Suncorp through periods of unprecedented challenges … I look forward to building on your legacy and those before you.”

Ms McLoughlin oversaw Suncorp’s divestment of non-core assets including its bank and life operations to become a pureplay general insurer.

Mr Duncan says the group “is well positioned to build on its exceptionally strong foundations to drive further momentum and efficiencies, and deliver the benefits of being a profitable, well-capitalised and customer-focused business that can invest in the future and create value for all of our stakeholders across the Tasman.”