Former GAB Robins chief executive John Castagno is to leave Equity Insurance Group barely a year after joining the group.
Castagno, who was managing director of direct broking at Equity, will join Cardif Pinnacle as new market development director. He will retain a non-executive directorship of Equity Insurance Brokers.
He joined Equity in March last year.
Castagno's move comes as Equity Insurance Group (EIG) announced a shake-up in its management structure. This follows its acquisition by Australian insurance giant IAG.
Neil Utley has been appointed group chief executive of Insurance Australia Group's UK operations. He assumes overall management of Equity Insurance Group and Hastings Direct.
Hastings head, Peter Connell has been appointed deputy CEO, as well as taking control of a combined direct broking division - Hastings and Equity Direct.
Meanwhile, EIG finance director, Richard Brewster and Hastings COO, Phil Knight broaden their roles to encompass UK-wide functions.
Utley said the intention was to integrate IAG's newly-acquired UK businesses. "The aim is to build on EIG and Hastings' significant strengths and create a solid platform for further growth," he adds.
Further realigning of IAG UK's senior management team sees Nick Potts appointed as managing director of UK branch operations, whilst claims managing director, Phil Anderson takes responsibility for Hastings' claims operations. John Josiah and Keith Charlton, joint active underwriters will continue to provide leadership at Equity Red Star.
ERS head underwriter, Ray White will retire from the group in July 2007, with 34 years service.
A newly created role sees Frank Ruscio, IAG chief information officer assume responsibility for IT operations across the business. Ruscio becomes UK CIO in mid-May.
IAG UK is currently interviewing candidates for the newly-created chief risk officer role.
Utley added: "The realignment of roles will underpin our acquisition and growth strategy and ensure we continue to provide quality service to our brokers and customers. We have, therefore, the dual advantages of excellent people and products; I believe our future prospects are very bright indeed. "
