Dutch financial services firm ING has named Rob Leary chief executive officer of ING Insurance U.S., days after announcing its intention to split its insurance and banking operations.

Rob Leary

On Oct. 26, ING announced the split, with its intent to sell its insurance operations by 2013 through an initial public offering, selling the unit or other methods. The company said the move is part of an ongoing restructuring plan with the European Commission and its effort to repay nearly $15 billion in aid from the Dutch government to keep the company operating.

In the announcement regarding their insurance operations, ING also announced that Tom McInerney, CEO of ING Insurance Americas, will assume the role of chief operating officer of ING Insurance effective Jan. 1, 2010.  Leary will be one of six global insurance/investment management CEOs to report to McInerney as part of the new company structure, ING said.

Prior to his new role, Leary spent more than two years as CEO of ING Investment Management, responsible for investment management in North and South America.

In a statement, Leary said he is “thrilled” to assume the role of CEO for ING Insurance U.S., as an “exciting new challenge.”

“We have an exceptional portfolio of retirement and insurance businesses in the U.S., and a tremendous opportunity to expand ING’s leadership positions in our core businesses,” he said.

McInerney said Leary’s “leadership skills, industry experience and acumen, plus his strong track ercord of success” make him ideal for his new role.

“ING’s global insurance business is well positioned to deliver steady growth in five geographic regions as the global economy begins to rebound,” he said. “ING Insurance U.S. is a cornerstone to our overall strategy, and I am confident in Rob’s ability to inspire employees, focus on customers, and collaborate with distribution partners.”

ING Insurance U.S. also announced that Ewout Steenbergen was named chief financial officer of the company, assuming responsibilities of David Wheat, who recently announced his retirement from ING to pursue other opportunities, according to the company.