R&SA revamps operational structure

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Group plc (R&SA) has made changes to the Group’s operating structure, reflecting the Group’s strategic focus set out to the market in June 2006.Moving forward, the Group will be organized into three main operating businesses including: the UK, International and Emerging Markets. These changes will be effective immediately, according to R&SA.While R&SA will be changing its operational structure much of the business will stay unchanged with the UK business still operating under CEO Bridget McIntyre. The International business will also continue to be headed by Simon Lee, who will be appointed to the board as an executive director, effective January 1 2007. One change within the International arena will now include Scandinavia as well as Canada, Ireland and Italy. Paul Whittaker will lead the Emerging Markets business comprised of the Group’s operations in Latin America, Asia & the Middle East, and the Baltics in his new position as CEO, Emerging Markets. Whittaker offers over 15 years of general management experience in financial services with R&SA, AXA and GE Capital, including work in Asia and Eastern Europe. Currently, Whittaker is the director of R&SA’s group human resources and is also part of the executive management team. Orlagh Hunt, human resources director for International will be promoted to the role of group human resources director and will join the executive management team. _Andy Haste, Group CEO, says the new structure reflects the Company’s strategic focus and gives it a stronger platform to pursue its objective of profitable growth. “Simon (Lee) has delivered strong top and bottom line growth for International and will be an asset to the board, while Paul (Whittaker)’s experience in emerging markets will allow us to continue to build our positions in these high potential markets,” Haste says.