Sedgwick’s new Australian Leadership Team to Spearhead Strategic Growth

SYDNEY – Sedgwick, the world’s leading risk and claims administration partner, has announced new leadership in Australia as the company continues to expand its presence in the market and accelerates sustainable
long-term growth.

Phil van Zyl, CEO of New Zealand, has also been appointed interim CEO of Australia. He will continue in his role as CEO of New Zealand while overseeing the Australian executive leadership team and operations in the region.

Simon Kay has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer for Australia and will support the development of operational strategy in the region.

“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,” said Paul White, Sedgwick Regional CEO, International.

White, added, “I’d like to thank Diego Ascani for his contribution to our business. With a distinguished insurance industry career of over 30 years, he became Chief Executive Officer for Australia in 2018, navigating his team through the acquisition of Cunningham Lindsey by Sedgwick that same year. His passion for the customer, client and colleague experience shone through during COVID and many major claim surges including the Northern NSW floods in 2022, Australia’s largest ever CAT event. Diego’s legacy will be defined by his championing of industry innovation, professional development and inclusion, including his membership of the board of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) since 2020. Let’s wish Diego all the best as he departs the company and transitions into retirement.”

“Sedgwick’s presence in Australia is supported at all times by our talented local team, which is critical to our success,” said van Zyl. “Our expertise in this market, combined with our global experience, positions Sedgwick to provide our clients with unmatched services and know-how in this industry that is rapidly transforming.”

Van Zyl has been with Sedgwick for more than 20 years and has served in a number of senior positions in New Zealand. He has extensive working knowledge of Sedgwick’s clients and business methods, and has substantial expertise in catastrophe response, commercial lines, and general loss adjusting.

Kay is currently Director of Executive Services UK & International lending leadership support in the Asian market. He previously served as acting COO in Australia in 2023 and has more than 30 years’ experience in the loss adjusting industry as an operational leader, and as an adjuster has handled large property major and complex losses along with sizable corporate nominations and led key client relationships.

About Sedgwick
Sedgwick is the world’s leading risk and claims administration partner, helping clients thrive by navigating the unexpected. The company’s expertise, combined with the most advanced AI-enabled technology available, sets the standard for solutions in claims administration, loss adjusting, benefits administration and product recall. With over 33,000 colleagues and 10,000 clients across 80 countries, Sedgwick provides unmatched perspective, caring that counts, and solutions for the rapidly changing and complex risk landscape. Sedgwick’s majority shareholder is The Carlyle Group; Stone Point Capital LLC, Altas Partners, CDPQ, Onex and other management investors are minority shareholders. For more, see sedgwick.com.