Genworth shares rise on CEO exit

Shares in mortgage insurer Genworth have ticked higher despite news that its chief executive Ellen Comerford is retiring.

Genworth announced late on Friday that Ms Comerford was stepping down from her post and the board, with chief financial officer Georgette Nicholas appointed as acting chief executive.

Ms Comerford, who has held the top job at Genworth for five years and oversaw its stock market listing, will remain as an advisor to the company until May 31, 2016.

Shares in Genworth were 4.5c, or 1.8 per cent, higher at $2.525 at 11.20am (AEDT) on Monday despite an overall weaker market.