Blain Waterford is returning to Sydney as Zurich Cover-More’s head of travel for Australia and New Zealand, Zurich announced in a joint media release on Monday.
Waterford joins from AIG, where he was based in Singapore and had been serving as global head of direct and digital marketing. He brings more than 25 years of experience in global consumer insurance, having worked in South Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Before joining AIG, he spent over 15 years with Chubb.
In his new role, Waterford will also join the Zurich Australia & New Zealand leadership team.
“Blain brings a global perspective, industry expertise, strong commercial leadership, and a proven ability to deliver customer‑focused outcomes at scale,” Justin Delaney, CEO, Zurich Australia & New Zealand, said. “As Australia’s only major composite insurer, we are confident he will play a key role in advancing our strategy and strengthening our position in the local travel insurance market.”
Donna Dorairajoo, head of international, Zurich Cover‑More, added: “We know that Blain has the expertise to help our ANZ business to build on this momentum, strengthen our partnerships and continue delivering protection and peace of mind for travellers.”
Waterford’s appointment follows Zurich ANZ’s appointment of Melissa Starfield as head of strategic broker management earlier this month. It also comes as the wider group looks to acquire specialty insurer Beazley, with the businesses having reached an agreement in principle on a possible £8bn takeover.
