Zurich Financial Services Australia will continue its leadership program, the Zurich Academy, in 2007 after the successful completion of a pilot program this year.

Zurich says the three-day program – which involves teaching intermediaries practical skills to improve their leadership qualities – prepares emerging leaders and potential business successors of smaller intermediary firms to lead and expand their business.

GM General Insurance Anthony Day says the program provides two-way benefits.

“Participants are given the opportunity to gain robust, practical skills that take their leadership to the next level by improving their effectiveness and strategic thinking,” he said.

“In turn, Zurich has an opportunity to work closely with prospective leaders, allowing important discussion on how we can help intermediary businesses grow by gaining a better insight into the challenges of intermediaries.”

Zurich says of the 16 intermediaries that took part in the course, several have been appointed to senior management roles.