Sedgwick has revamped its Australian leadership team, with Phil van Zyl appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer and Simon Kay as Chief Operating Officer, the business announced on Monday, 17 November.
Van Zyl, who has been with the business for 20 years, will oversee the Australia executive team and regional operations, while also remaining CEO of New Zealand. He takes over as interim CEO with current Chief Exec Diego Ascani leaving the business and transitioning into retirement.
Joining him is Kay, who served as Sedgwick’s interim Chief Operating Officer for Australia in 2023, following a stint as Director of Executive Services in the UK, and returns to support the development of operational strategy in the region.
Commenting on the appointments, Paul White, Sedgwick’s Regional CEO, International, expressed his confidence in both Van Zyl’s and Kay’s abilities to deliver solid results for the company. “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.”
White also acknowledged the achievements of outgoing CEO Diego Ascani, who served nearly nine years and led the company since 2018, including during Sedgwick’s acquisition of Cunningham Lindsey and major events such as COVID and the Northern NSW floods in 2022. “Diego’s legacy will be defined by his championing of industry innovation, professional development, and inclusion. Let’s wish Diego all the best as he departs the company and transitions into retirement.” White said.
Sedgwick has been building out its Asia team, with a focus on technology, compliance, and specialist expertise. In January, the group named Shuji Tanaka as CEO for Japan and Cameron Lee as CEO for Taiwan.
