Zurich unifies Australian leadership structure


Zurich Australia has unified its leadership structure by appointing Justin Delaney as country chief executive (CEO) for its life, investments, and general insurance (GI) businesses in Australia and New Zealand, replacing Tim Plant as GI lead.
The firm said Plant, presently CEO of Zurich’s GI business in Australia and New Zealand, decided to pursue an opportunity outside the Zurich Group.
Sean Walker, chief underwriting officer of GI Australia and New Zealand, would support Delaney in the management of the GI business.
Delaney had also been appointed as a director of the board of the Financial Services Council (FSC) last month.
Tulsi Naidu, Zurich’s APAC Regional CEO, said the appointment ensured that the company could operate seamlessly in the Australian market with a unified leadership team.
“In Justin, we are fortunate to have a strong leader who has extensive experience in the local insurance industry and a solid track record in delivering customer-centred innovation,” Naidu said.
“Sean has been with the Zurich business for more than 10 years, he has held a variety of market-facing, underwriting and leadership roles over the course of his career and is well placed to support Justin.
“I am pleased that we have strong leaders in place on-the-ground to ensure a smooth succession for the business and team, and would also like to take this opportunity to wish Tim all the very best for the future.”
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