Several major players in the Australian insurance industry have announced senior appointments, reinforcing their operational focus on small to mid-market business segments and expanding local service delivery models.
CFC has named Gary Newson (pictured above) as its new management liability development manager for Australia.
Newson previously held an international underwriting role at CFC and was instrumental in launching its Australian liability portfolio. Most recently, he worked in account management at WTW.
Operating from Perth, Newson will work on enhancing the insurer’s SME management liability offerings and developing broker partnerships across the country.
Kate Lyes, head of specialty lines at CFC, said the move marks a deliberate investment in regional growth.
“We have successfully built our Australian portfolio over the past 10 years from London, and now is the perfect time to have boots on the ground in order to deliver a faster, more efficient service for our broker partners,” she said, adding that Newson brings practical experience and a broker-first mindset at a time when regulatory and legal complexities are growing.
“It’s an exciting time to be rejoining CFC as it grows its presence further on the ground in Australia,” Newson said. “The market is crying out for a small to mid-market management liability insurer who can deliver a fast, efficient service matched by expertise on the ground.”
Newson’s arrival coincides with the rollout of CFC’s updated policy language on Connect in July.
Connect, CFC’s digital platform, supports streamlined quoting and binding for specialty insurance lines. The platform enables brokers to issue quotes and policies quickly without engaging underwriters directly.
The updated management liability product includes cover for directors and officers, employment practices, fidelity, reputation, and crisis management.
Zurich Financial Services Australia has appointed James Garrett (pictured immediately below) as head of SME for general insurance across Australia and New Zealand.
Based in Sydney, Garrett will take over from Theo Pitsikas, who has been named head of SME for the broader APAC region and will relocate to Singapore. Both changes are effective from June 16.
Garrett has been with Zurich for over 12 years, primarily in SME underwriting. His most recent position was digital portfolio manager, where he oversaw a large book of SME customers.
Alex Morgan, Zurich’s head of general insurance, said the appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to strengthening broker relationships and advancing its digital investment strategy.
“I am very pleased to welcome James to lead Zurich’s SME team, where he will be responsible for evolving our customer offering, engaging closely with brokers and accelerating technological investment,” he said.
He added that Garrett understands the local broker market and brings extensive SME expertise.
“This [appointment] will bring both continuity and a fresh perspective as we seek to further advance our proposition and competitive position,” Morgan said.
BMS Australia has hired Lisa Triscari (pictured immediately below) as client director for its Western Australia commercial operations.
Triscari, based in Perth, will report to Brett Waterman, managing director of BMS’s western region. She will lead the WA commercial team, focusing on enhancing client delivery and operational efficiency.
With over 20 years of experience, Triscari has held senior positions at Centrewest Insurance Brokers and EBM Insurance and Risk Management.
Waterman said the appointment follows recent regional growth and acquisitions.
“Over the last three years, BMS western region has witnessed significant growth with the acquisition of two existing broking firms here,” he said.
Triscari noted the firm’s strong sector presence in industries like marine, transport, hospitality, and workers’ compensation.
“I am looking forward to leading the commercial team here to ensure all our clients receive the highest level of service and support,” she said.
She also pointed to BMS’s commitment to community involvement.
“I am excited to be joining a company that fosters a collaborative people-first culture and is committed to supporting the local community through sponsoring important entities such as The West Perth Football Club and The Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Triscari said.
These appointments come as insurers and brokers face a landscape marked by rising risk complexity.
Aon’s Client Trends 2025 report highlights four megatrends – trade, technology, climate, and workforce – that are reshaping how companies assess exposure and design resilience strategies.
Aon CEO Greg Case noted the growing interconnectivity of risks.
“The interconnectedness of these trends means that leaders need access to integrated data and analytics, capabilities, and expertise to effectively respond to increasingly linked risk and people issues,” he said.
