US-based international insurance broker Hugh Wood Inc (HWI) has appointed Fleur Taylor as MD of HW Wood Australia.

Ms Taylor was previously a commercial team leader with Adroit Insurance Group in Geelong, Victoria. Her other past positions include major projects manager with Willis Australia in Melbourne and client relationship manager with Aon Risk Services in Perth.

She has worked in insurance since 1993, when she joined Peter Willmott Insurance Agencies in Perth as a trainee.

HWI founder and Chairman Hugh Wood, who is based in New York, says Ms Taylor will play a key role in expanding the company.

HW Wood Australia is based in Melbourne and has been operating since 1989 – seven years after the parent started. Mr Wood says it has “significant growth plans for the immediate future”.

“I expect Fleur’s… experience will immediately make an impact on our Australian business and allow her to drive the business forward.”

The HWI group is a privately held company with 300 employees worldwide. HW Wood in London is a fully accredited Lloyd’s broker.

HW Wood Australia Chairman Neil Taylor (no relation to Ms Taylor) is a founding director of the local business.

The Australian operation services corporate clients and specialist segments such as fine art, collectibles, forestry, and film and entertainment.

Since 1991 it has represented film and television producers on projects such as Star Wars, The Matrix, Moulin Rouge, The Water Diviner, Wolf Creek, Big Brother, The 7pm Project and House Husbands.