Zurich Welcomes Fresh Leadership in Risk Management for ANZ Region
Zurich Welcomes Fresh Leadership in Risk Management for ANZ Region
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
In a dynamic move, Zurich Financial Services Australia has named David Wainwright as the new Chief Risk Officer for the Australia and New Zealand region.
This follows the retirement announcement of the current CRO, Jaimie Sach, a veteran with a distinguished 30-year career in the wealth management sector.
Wainwright's appointment signifies a strategic shift aimed at bolstering Zurich's risk management operations amid an evolving financial landscape. He transitions from Zurich's life insurance division in the United Kingdom, where he likewise served as Chief Risk Officer. His expansive expertise, honed through 25 years in financial services, positions Wainwright as a key asset for Zurich ANZ.
Justin Delaney, Zurich's Chief Executive, lauded Wainwright's arrival, stating, "Mr. Wainwright's international experience and strong technical and leadership skills will further strengthen our local risk management framework. We are eager to integrate his vision and expertise into our leadership team next year."
Wainwright's career is marked by prominent roles not only within Zurich UK but also at Nomura Securities, Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), and HSBC Global Banking and Markets. This broad spectrum of experience underlines his ability to navigate and mitigate risk in complex financial environments.
Set to commence his new role on January 6, 2025, Wainwright will be relocating to Sydney, and will report directly to Sid Medappa, the Regional Head of Risk for the Asia Pacific (APAC) division at Zurich.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the forthcoming transition, Wainwright remarked, "I am thrilled to join the Zurich team in Australia and am dedicated to advancing our robust risk management capabilities."
As the legacy bearer of a rich 30-year career, Jaimie Sach has been steering Zurich's risk management since 2019. His departure marks the end of an illustrious chapter, paving the way for Wainwright to inject new perspectives and strategies into the ANZ regional risk operations.
This announcement underscores Zurich’s commitment to fortifying its risk management strategies in an environment increasingly characterized by financial complexities. Wainwright's appointment opens a new page in securing Zurich ANZ’s resilience and proactive risk management approach.
The source of this adaptation is an original article published by Newswire on Zurich's executive appointment.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
A renewed industry push to reduce insurance taxes has put affordability back on the agenda for Australian households and businesses, including tradies who already face rising operating costs. The core argument is straightforward: when taxes and levies are added to premiums, the final bill can become harder to absorb, particularly for sole traders and small teams managing vehicles, tools, public liability and workshop risks. - read more
ASIC’s ongoing focus on general insurance claims handling is a timely reminder that the value of a policy is tested long after the premium is paid. For Australian tradies, the issue is practical rather than theoretical: when a ute is damaged, tools are stolen, a workshop is hit by stormwater or a client alleges property damage, delays and documentation gaps can quickly affect cash flow. - read more
A new Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has put income protection claims under the spotlight, with useful lessons for tradies who rely on their own capacity to work. The dispute involved a delivery driver who had received weekly income protection benefits after a serious arm-related medical condition prevented him from working. The insurer later tried to recover more than $31,000 in paid benefits, arguing it had information suggesting he could have returned to work earlier. - read more
QBE’s decision to stop offering its standalone office and trade pack products from July 2026 is a timely reminder for Australian tradies to treat every renewal as more than a simple rollover. The insurer is moving customers towards a standard business cover structure, with existing trade pack policyholders expected to be offered the replacement product at renewal from October 2026. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia’s redrafted General Insurance Code of Practice has moved into consultation, with submissions open until 21 July 2026 and a transition period of around two years expected if the code proceeds. For trade business owners, the headline change is that key insurer commitments are intended to become contractually enforceable, rather than sitting only as industry standards. - read more
Being a tradesperson in Australia comes with its own unique set of risks. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or builder, having the right insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your livelihood and your peace of mind. Without adequate insurance, you could be financially devastated by accidents, theft, or property damage. - read more
Trade insurance is an essential aspect of running a successful trade business in Australia. Whether you are a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or any other type of tradesperson, having the right insurance coverage protects you from unexpected risks and liabilities that could otherwise derail your operations. - read more
Have you ever thought about making the leap from being a skilled tradie to running your own business? It's an exciting journey that many Australians are considering, as it offers the chance to not only work for yourself but also to create something meaningful in your community. - read more
Trades insurance is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect those who work in various trades, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and builders. It encompasses a range of insurance products tailored to address the unique risks and challenges faced by tradespeople in their day-to-day activities. - read more
Insurance is a crucial safeguard for everyone, but for subcontractors, it's essential. In the world of trade professionals, the tools of the trade are more than just pieces of equipment; they are investments into one's livelihood. - read more
Knowledgebase
Insurance Policy Excess: The amount you will have to contribute when you make a claim.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.