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.
Safe Work Australia’s latest Key Work Health and Safety Statistics, released on 12 October 2026, provide a fresh reminder that construction remains one of the country’s highest-risk work environments. The national data records 41 construction worker fatalities in 2025 and shows construction accounted for 11.7% of serious workers’ compensation claims in 2024-25, making the figures directly relevant to trade businesses reviewing safety systems, contracts and insurance arrangements. - read more
A damaging hailstorm across Victoria’s Mallee has turned a promising harvest into a difficult insurance and cash-flow test for affected grain growers. ABC Rural reported on 6 November 2026 that hail swept through districts including Birchip, Wycheproof and Quambatook, damaging thousands of hectares of wheat, barley, lentils, canola and other crops just as many paddocks were ready to harvest. - read more
A recent Australian Financial Complaints Authority decision has highlighted a difficult but common issue for strata communities: damage that happens during a storm is not always insured storm damage. The dispute, reported on 5 November 2026, involved an owners corporation claim for a collapsed parapet wall, with the insurer declining cover on the basis that defective design, materials or workmanship were the dominant cause rather than the weather event itself. - read more
A new Australian healthcare professional liability market update points to a sharper divide between general insurance market conditions and the experience of healthcare organisations arranging malpractice and professional liability cover. Lockton’s 1 November 2026 update says established insurers remain selective, claims inflation is affecting attachment points and underwriters are looking more closely at how clinical governance works in practice, not merely whether accreditation exists. - read more
Western Australia’s updated Working With Children Check laws are a timely reminder that fitness business risk is not limited to physical injury, equipment damage or venue incidents. The changes, in effect from 17 September 2026 and highlighted by AUSactive in October, mean certain adverse Working With Children outcomes from other Australian jurisdictions can now affect a person’s ability to work with children in WA. - read more
Income protection insurance is a type of cover designed to provide you with a safety net if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. By offering regular payments that replace a portion of your income, it helps ensure that you can maintain your lifestyle and cover essential expenses during challenging times. - read more
In today's dynamic gig economy, freelancers and contractors are an essential part of Australia's workforce. Choosing flexibility and autonomy over traditional roles, these professionals enjoy the freedom to manage their schedules and select projects that align closely with their interests. However, this lifestyle brings unique challenges, especially regarding financial security. - read more
In today's ever-changing world, financial security is a cornerstone of peace of mind, particularly for Australians grappling with medical histories. Income protection insurance emerges as a pivotal solution, safeguarding not only the individual’s fiscal health but the well-being of their dependents. This introduction explores the nuances of income protection insurance and its particular significance for those with pre-existing medical conditions. - read more
For self-employed Australians, the financial stability provided by consistent income is the backbone of both personal and business success. Unlike traditional employees, who might have access to sick leave or employer-sponsored disability benefits, self-employed individuals are solely responsible for their financial security in the event of illness or injury. This is where income protection insurance steps in as a crucial safeguard. - read more
Financial protection is an essential aspect of sound financial planning. It ensures that you and your family are safeguarded against unexpected events that could lead to financial hardship. Two common types of financial protection are income protection insurance and life insurance. - read more
Knowledgebase
Depreciation: The reduction in the value of an asset over time, used in insurance to calculate the actual cash value of property.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.