Cyber specialist underwriting agency Emergence has appointed former Suncorp senior executive Gary Dransfield as Chairman. 

Mr Dransfield, who was Suncorp CEO Insurance until 2020, is currently Hollard Insurance Australia Chairman and a director at medical defence organisation MDA National Insurance and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. He also chairs the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia. 

“In line with the company’s strong growth and future strategic plans, Gary will guide Emergence with advice on governance, structure and execution,” Emergence CEO and Founder Troy Filipcevic said. 

Mr Filipcevic says Mr Dransfield will be hands on with all the Emergence team and he looks forward to working closely with him to bring the company’s strategic plans to fruition. 

Mr Dransfield joins Mr Filipcevic and Steadfast Group CEO Robert Kelly on the board of the agency, which has this year expanded into New Zealand with the opening of an Auckland office. 

“The owners’ vision is to grow the market in Australia and Emergence is achieving excellent market penetration, plus the market itself continues to grow,” Mr Dransfield said.  

“Opening in New Zealand is a wonderful opportunity to build the brand so it can become the best-known brand in New Zealand and potentially other overseas markets.”  

Mr Dransfield has been in the insurance industry for 26 years and is a former president of both the Insurance Council of Australia and the Insurance Council of New Zealand. At Suncorp his earlier executive positions included head of Vero New Zealand and head of personal insurance. Previously he was with IAG for more than 10 years. 

Emergence, which started in 2015, offers cyber insurance for individuals and families as well as for businesses. 

“Cyber insurance is relevant right across the economy and for all organisations, making it a great sector to be involved in,” Mr Dransfield said.