Suncorp has appointed acting CEO Steve Johnston as the new permanent head of the company. Chairman Christine McLoughlin says Suncorp weighed the merits of global and local candidates before confirming Johnston as CEO and Managing Director. Johnston was Chief Financial Officer until May, when he switched roles following previous CEO Michael Cameron's sudden exit. Announcing an 83.5 per cent fall in full-year profit last month, Johnston admitted his predecessor's so-called 'marketplace strategy' had confused customers and halted its rollout to refocus on banking and insurance. Deputy Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Robson, who has been acting CFO since May, will continue in the role while Suncorp considers internal and external candidates.