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Berkley Insurance Australia has welcomed a new regional head this week, naming industry veteran Leanne Farrell as its latest Victorian state manager and financial lines underwriter.
“I’m extremely excited to join the Berkley team and proud to work for a company that symbolises outstanding service, integrity and underwriting expertise,” said Farrell, upon the announcement.
Melbourne-based Farrell brings a wealth of experience to the firm, having held senior roles within several of Australia’s leading insurers and underwriters. She joins the Berkley team having most recently been with IAG, where she spent nine months as a portfolio specialist for professional risks. Prior to the stint at IAG, Farrell spent seven years as national underwriting manager for Chubb. She’s also held senior spots at IBL and ACE.
“Leanne brings excellent knowledge and expertise to our Victorian office,” said Berkley CEO Tony Wheatley. “We believe that brokers need local underwriters who are empowered to underwrite and make sensible underwriting decisions,” he added. “We welcome Leanne to our team.”
Speaking to Insurance Business, Farrell said changes in the global market were driving more brokers to seek out local underwriting options.
“We are seeing capacity reductions as Lloyd’s realigns and brokers are calling for underwriters that are empowered to make decisions locally,” she said. “Local decision-making means faster and better underwriting solutions can be offered to brokers and their clients.”
Looking ahead, Farrell also said she’s excited to work for a company which “truly values customers” and strives to provide an exceptional service.
“BIA is highly respected in the market and renowned for providing prompt service backed by experienced and technical underwriting and these are only some of the qualities that make BIA an outstanding company,” she said.
