Swiss Re Head of Property and Casualty (P&C) Underwriting APAC Sharon Ooi will start next month as Head of Australia and New Zealand Operations.

She replaces Mark Senkevics, who will take up her current position. He will remain in Sydney to oversee the regional P&C underwriting arm.

The reinsurer made the announcement last week, saying the changes to its Asia management team are aimed at placing the business in a strong position to deal with challenges and continue growing.

“These appointees bring decades of experience into their new roles,” Swiss Re Asia CEO Russell Higginbotham said. “But more importantly, what they bring is an ever-present desire to innovate to meet the challenges of today and the future.

“I have no doubt that they help will steer us – and our clients – through these unprecedented times.”

Ms Ooi says she has “big shoes to fill” and is looking forward to her new assignment. “I hope to be able to play a small part in helping Australia become a more resilient place to live, work and thrive.”

Ms Ooi was previously Singapore CEO before she was appointed in 2017 as Head P&C Underwriting APAC.