New appointments to drive operational direction
Phil van Zyl, who is currently CEO of Sedgwick New Zealand, has been appointed as interim CEO for Australia. He will continue his role in New Zealand while also overseeing the Australian executive team and operations. Simon Kay has been appointed as chief operating officer for Australia and will be responsible for operational management in the region.
Paul White, Sedgwick’s regional CEO for international, commented on the leadership changes: “We have seen exceptional leadership from Phil in New Zealand for nearly six years, and he has contributed significantly to our growth story. With Phil and Simon at the helm, I am confident that we will have the clear direction needed to continue to deliver strong results for our company, colleagues, and clients.”
Transition following CEO retirement
The appointments follow the retirement of Diego Ascani, who had led Sedgwick Australia since 2018. White commented: “With a distinguished insurance industry career of over 30 years, he became chief executive officer for Australia in 2018, navigating his team through the acquisition of Cunningham Lindsey by Sedgwick that same year. His passion for the customer, client, and colleague experience shone through during COVID and many major claim surges including the Northern NSW floods in 2022, Australia’s largest ever CAT event.”
White said that during Ascani’s time with the company, he focused on industry innovation, professional development, and inclusion. “Diego’s legacy will be defined by his championing of industry innovation, professional development, and inclusion, including his membership of the board of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) since 2020. Let’s wish Diego all the best as he departs the company and transitions into retirement,” he said.
Focus on local expertise and international resources
Van Zyl, who has worked at Sedgwick for more than 20 years in various senior positions, said the company’s operations in Australia rely on its local staff. “Sedgwick’s presence in Australia is supported at all times by our talented local team, which is critical to our success. Our expertise in this market, combined with our global experience, positions Sedgwick to provide our clients with unmatched services and know-how in this industry that is rapidly transforming,” van Zyl said.
Kay, the new COO, has over 30 years of experience in loss adjusting and has previously held leadership roles in the UK and internationally. He has worked on property losses and claims in different regions.
Broader executive changes across Sedgwick
The recent leadership changes in Australia are among several executive transitions at Sedgwick. Earlier this month, the company announced that Tom Simoncic, president of global property and international, will retire after 18 years with the company. Paul White is set to become CEO, International, starting Jan. 1, 2026. White will oversee operations in the UK, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, New Zealand, and South Africa. He has previously held senior roles at Sedgwick and its predecessor, Cunningham Lindsey.
In August, Sedgwick named Kalani Reelitz as chief financial officer, with responsibilities for financial planning and capital management. The company also appointed new chief executive officers for its Japan and Taiwan businesses earlier this year. Shuji Tanaka and Cameron Lee have taken on those roles, while their predecessors have moved into chairman positions.
Source: https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/au/news/breaking-news/sedgwick-appoints-new-leaders-for-australian-operations-557010.aspx