Dual MD Damien Coates has been appointed chairman of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC).

He replaces former Austagencies GM Martin McAvenna, who now runs AIMS, the Austbrokers/IBNA joint venture management company.

UAC announced the new board following a meeting in Sydney last week.

John Iles (SUA) replaces Mr Coates as Deputy Chairman. He will also take responsibility for member liaison. David Porter (AFA) is Secretary and Frank van Rooy (Australis) is Treasurer.

Other members are Kevin Corkery of Lawsons (responsible for expos); Heath Amber of Millennium (legal and regulatory issues); William Legge of Aurora (training and compliance); and Simon Trowell of Sportscover (international affiliations).