Suncorp New Zealand has named a new executive general manager (EGM) of technology after the previously announced appointee opted not to take the role.

Craig Lauchlan, currently Suncorp’s group executive transition director in Australia, will return to his native New Zealand to assume his new senior role.

Debbie Mills, who in September was announced by Suncorp NZ as its next EGM of technology, opted not to take the role.

“[After] careful consideration, Debbie has decided to remain with her current employer – and we wish her all the very best,” Suncorp NZ wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Mills currently serves in a senior lending role at ASB Bank.

Suncorp recognised Lauchlan’s “key role” in the successful transition of its banking arm to ANZ earlier this year, further noting his “expertise… across technology, business, transformation, and mergers and acquisitions” across his nearly 25-year career in financial services.

Lauchlan, who joined Suncorp in mid-2023, previously held senior roles at NAB, including as executive of delivery assurance, and at MLC Australia, most recently as general manager of the wealth portfolio and transformation.

Earlier in his career he served a decade at CBA, including senior roles in the bank’s wealth arm.

Suncorp New Zealand chief executive Jimmy Higgins welcomed Lauchlan to the senior technology role, whom he said would bring “a significant depth of experience bringing together people and technology to uplift capability and create great outcomes”.

He added: “Transforming our business to improve the way we operate and meet our customer, people, and partner needs is critical to our success going forward.”

Lauchlan will replace acting EGM of technology Mark Atherton, who will return to his role as executive manager, infrastructure and operations.

He commences his new role in December.