EBM appoints new CEO, bolsters executive team

A national insurance broker has announced a new CEO and new additions to its executive team.

Ward Dedman, EBM’s managing director of group operations, was appointed as CEO and executive director of the EBM Group, to manage the day-to-day operations of the diverse broker group from its headquarters in Perth and network of offices across five states and four regional centres.

The appointment comes as Alan Bishop, who established the company in 1975, prepares to take a step back after 40 years in the helm. Bishop will continue to provide strategic oversight and direction for the company as executive chairman.

“This is a significant, important and historical promotion, with Ward becoming EBM’s first-ever CEO,” Bishop said. “Ward’s primary role will be to oversee the strategic direction of EBM. He will be supported by our dedicated team of brokers and administrators and of course by me.”

Dedman joined EBM 19 years ago and has held a range of executive roles within the company. He has also served at the National Insurance Brokers’ Association (NIBA) for many years, currently as director of the NIBA national board.

EBM’s executive team, meanwhile, was bolstered by the appointment of former QBE leader Peter McLachlan as executive general manager of strategy and operations, Ryan Cameron as managing director of broking, Ashton George as regional director for WA, Ben Bowen as regional director of Victoria, and Chris Lane as manager director of CoverLink, the division that negotiates contracts on behalf of a number of insurers to offer EBM clients a range of tailor-made policies.

“Over the years, EBM has gone from strength to strength, and we are now the most significant wholly privately owned and non-aligned broking group in Australia,” Dedman said. “The new executive structure will help us continue strong and sustainable growth into the future and ensure we build on the incredible legacy of our founders, executives, and staff.”