Agile Underwriting will represent StarStone in Australia and New Zealand, as the global insurer seeks to cut costs and simplify its operations.

“The underwriting team at Agile already has close relationships with our international underwriting teams and is well placed to assist us in developing our client proposition in the region,” StarStone Chief Underwriting Officer David Message said.

Agile will represent the insurer across specialty classes provided by Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301, while StarStone, which is owned by Bermuda-based Enstar, will close its Sydney office.

Robin Barham, who has served as StarStone Australia MD, is the founder and CEO of Agile and will be responsible for developing business under a new facility managed by the agency.

“The partnership will ensure customers retain access to StarStone’s capacity and expertise,” he said.

“StarStone will gain more efficient access to Australian customers, while Agile will continue to benefit from working with a global insurer.”

Enstar last year decided against selling StarStone, which reported a net loss of $US61.7 million ($86.8 million) for the nine months to September 30.

John Hendrickson was appointed StarStone CEO in October, taking over from Demian Smith, who resigned after eight years of service.

Agile has operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Christchurch and underwrites accident and health, aviation, cargo, cyber, financial lines, marine hull and marine liability as a Lloyd’s coverholder.