Zurich Financial Services Australia Limited (Zurich) has announced the establishment of a new risk specialist team, in anticipation of Macquarie’s life risk business (Macquarie Life) joining Zurich later this year.
As part of Zurich’s Blueprints program to support best practice in the advice profession, the national team will be responsible for the creation and presentation of life insurance content to support Zurich’s strategic partners. The team will also be responsible for the ongoing management of the Zurich Curriculum, a comprehensive program of technical and sales development content, delivered via webinars and workshops.
Joining the team from Macquarie Life will be Business Development Managers Jessica Brady (NSW) and Danielle Visser (QLD), and Zurich West Australian Regional Manager David Rees.
The team will also work closely with highly respected industry consultant and financial adviser, Bill Webster.
Head of Distribution for Zurich’s Life and Investments business, Kristine Brooks, said the establishment of the team would enable Zurich to build on its award winning licensee support proposition by increasing its capacity to develop bespoke content, and support licensees and advisers with relevant consulting services.
“As the life insurance advice landscape continues to evolve, so too are the content needs of licensees,” said Brooks.
“We are seeing an increased demand for specialised content, especially around business management, client engagement and ethics, as licensees seek to help their advisers future-proof their practices.”
“Zurich is already known for the quality and relevance of its content, underpinned by our comprehensive research program and our ongoing support of the AFA Adviser of the Year award which allows us unprecedented insights into the latest in best practice.
“This experienced team comprises a balance of technical experts and accomplished presenters, and allows us to be more proactive in bringing our insights to a much wider audience,” she said.
As a result of these changes, Zurich’s National Sales Strategies Manager Andy Marshall has left Zurich to explore new opportunities.
“Andy has been a valued member of the Zurich family for four years, and as well as being a highly respected presenter and passionate advocate of advice, became known as a thought leader on the role of technology in improving the client engagement experience.
“He will be missed, and we wish him well for the future,” said Brooks.
The team will report into recently appointed National Sales Manager, David Evans.
