Chubb Appoints Kathleen Warden to Lead regional Operations
Kathleen Warden joins Chubb to oversee property and casualty business across Australia and New Zealand.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
Chubb has named Kathleen Warden as the new head of property and casualty for Australia and New Zealand. This follows several leadership transitions at the insurer, including the resignation of former country president Ben Howell.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a significant leadership shift as insurance firms in the region move to stabilize their executive teams after executive departures. Warden brings experience from her recent tenure as AIG Australia chief executive.
John Mutton brings 35 years of insurance experience to his new role, while Jane Makin joins with 3.5 years of experience at Berkley Insurance Australia.
The players
Kathleen Warden
She is the newly appointed head of property and casualty for Chubb in Australia and New Zealand who previously served as AIG Australia chief executive.
John Mutton
He is the incoming managing director of the affinity division at Gallagher Australia and a veteran with 35 years of insurance experience.
Jane Makin
She has joined DUAL Australia as a senior liability underwriter following more than three years at Berkley Insurance Australia.
Ben Howell
He is the former Chubb country president for Australia and New Zealand who resigned from his position in April 2026.
Jon Longmore
He was appointed as the New Zealand country president for Chubb in August 2026.
The details
Kathleen Warden transitioned into the role following her departure from AIG Australia in October 2026. Simultaneously, Gallagher Australia and DUAL Australia have filled key leadership and underwriting positions to bolster their regional capabilities.
Timeline
April 2026: Ben Howell resigned from his role at Chubb.
August 2026: Jon Longmore was named New Zealand country president.
October 2026: Kathleen Warden concluded her term at AIG Australia.
Early 2027: John Mutton is scheduled to begin his managing director role at Gallagher Australia.
Market Landscape
These executive moves reflect a broader industry push toward leadership stabilization across Australia and New Zealand. Companies are filling critical vacancies to maintain competitive market share in the property and liability sectors.
These management changes are primarily internal operational shifts and do not immediately impact consumer insurance premiums or policy terms. Customers can expect continuity in service as the firms integrate these new leaders into their respective departments.
The takeaway
Executive turnover in the regional insurance sector highlights an ongoing effort by firms to secure seasoned talent for key underwriting and management roles. Industry professionals should monitor these appointments as indicators of firm-level focus on specific liability and property growth strategies.
What happens next
John Mutton is scheduled to formally commence his new role as managing director of the affinity division at Gallagher Australia in early 2027.
Further reading
Read more about industry leadership transitions in the People section.
