New Ensurance Executive Chairman Tony Leibowitz will shuttle between Sydney and London as he works to build the company’s European business.

The listed broker and insurance technology group has invested considerable resources in its European project and sees Ensurance UK, which opened last year, as integral to its strategy.

“[Ensurance] has always identified the UK and Europe as presenting significant opportunities to flexible and innovative insurance,” Mr Leibowitz told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“We have a large investment in the UK, which is starting to get traction and momentum.

“Accordingly, I will spend my time in the operations that should generate the best shareholder returns.”

He will also focus on strengthening the business in Australia, which remains a core growth area.

Ensurance announced last week that Mr Leibowitz will take over as Chairman from Adam Davey with immediate effect. Mr Davey will stay on as a non-executive director.

Mr Leibowitz has more than 30 years’ corporate experience, including as chairman of Pilbara Minerals and global partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

In other changes, MD Stefan Hicks will take the newly created role of Business Development Director, to oversee the opening of new international markets, key client engagement, and retention and establishment of new products using the Ensurance platform.

Ensurance has announced a $3 million share placement, with the proceeds to be used for expanding the UK and Australian operations.