Zurich makes key Australia and New Zealand leadership appointments

Multi-line insurer Zurich has made three key leadership appointments, bolstering its underwriting and claims capability within its general insurance business in Australia and New Zealand.

Alex Morgan has been appointed to head of retail in underwriting and will be returning to Australia from Singapore, where he is currently the head of specialty for commercial insurance for Zurich’s Asia Pacific region. He will start in his new role in May and brings almost 17 years insurance experience having spent time as a chief underwriting officer in Singapore, China and Japan, working as both an underwriter and a broker in the UK and Australian markets.

Tim Plant, CEO general insurance said: “As we continue to respond to a rapidly changing SME insurance market, this role will be critical in maintaining our strong underwriting discipline while delivering premium solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers and brokers.”

Zurich has also bolstered its claims leadership team with two new appointments: James Dimitriou has been appointed to head of claims, general insurance, and will be responsible for strategic, operational, financial and stakeholder responsibilities within General Insurance Claims operations. The role will support front line claims teams to deliver on strategy, business plans, and results.

Dimitriou brings operational and technical expertise to the role and will join Zurich in late January 2020, based in Melbourne. He is currently executive manager for commercial & specialty short tail claims at IAG.

This follows the recent leadership appointment of Catherine L’Estrange as head of casualty & specialty claims.

L’Estrange joined Zurich Sydney in November 2019 and is responsible for accident & health, financial lines, liability, marine, travel and workers compensation claims. She brings more than 20 years of experience in general insurance managing commercial claims and operations in Australia and Asia Pacific across all lines of business.

L’Estrange started her career in private practice and then had senior roles across various brands such as Lawcover, GIO, ACE, QBE and Minter Ellison Flex. She is also an NMAS accredited mediator.

Tim Plant, CEO general insurance said: “We’re fortunate to have such high calibre leaders joining us, who each bring deep experience and capability to our business. These appointments reflect the commitment we have at Zurich to strengthen our position in the commercial intermediated market, by delivering a first-class claims experience and underwriting expertise to both our brokers and customers.”