Talbot Underwriting Asia Pacific CEO Rob Hands is set to take over as head of AIG Australia, insuranceNEWS.com.au can confirm.

As previously reported, Claudio Saita joined the company as interim CEO in July after Kat Warden left to become Chubb’s head of Pacific property and casualty.

Now staff have been told Mr Hands, currently based in Singapore, is the preferred candidate to take the role on a permanent basis, subject to regulatory approvals.

Experienced insurance executive Mr Hands spent three years as head of Axis Capital for Australia and New Zealand, before taking the Talbot role. Talbot is a subsidiary of AIG.

AIG has not commented on the move, when it takes effect or whether Mr Saita will remain with the business.