Axis Specialty Australia is seeking a new underwriter in Brisbane as part of its restructuring program.

“We have put together a small panel and are looking for someone in the professional lines space,” CEO David Smith told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

The new underwriter will assist Queensland Manager Professional and Financial Lines David Jones.

Axis says its restructure has been “partly triggered by the retirement of Michael Prickett”, the former national professional lines manager.

The changes are based on four national product manager positions: Quenten Dawson has been reaffirmed as business development and managing general agency strategy head; Tony Hynes becomes National Manager Financial Lines and will also continue to lead the Victorian team; Jason Mann is the new National Manager Professional Lines; and Brendan Walsh retains his position as National Manager Property.

In other appointments Mary-Catherine McGrath is now NSW Manager, Professional and Financial Lines, and Tom Kent takes the same position in SA. A new WA manager will be announced soon.

Trent Dunn will join Axis on November 13 as Head of Human Resources, having previously worked at CGU, Combined Insurance and Ace. Luke Grasic, Carly Smith and Richard Carey have joined Axis’ underwriting team.

Mr Smith says the company is looking to bring in three or four underwriting agencies over the next three to five years.