Newly appointed Dual Asia Pacific Deputy CEO Michael Ussher says the broking channel remains a key focus as he prepares to commence in his new role on October 1.

The Howden-owned underwriting agency announced his appointment last week, and also that of Jane Cullen as Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Mr Ussher is currently Commercial Manager Asia Pacific and Ms Cullen is Operations & IS Manager Asia Pacific.

“First and foremost, Dual is focused on strengthening our product offering to our broker partners across the region,” Mr Ussher said.

“I’m excited to be taking on a broader role to ensure we continue providing outstanding service to brokers and innovating across products and platforms, as we have done for the last 18 years.

“As a $350 million premium business we need to ensure we are transacting business in the most efficient way possible and making brokers’ lives easier so if you have feedback, we’re listening.”

Mr Ussher will be responsible for delivering the leadership team’s business plans while CEO Damien Coates focuses on growth through acquisitions and other new initiatives.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to announce these promotions,” Mr Coates said. “Both [Mr Ussher] and [Ms Cullen] joined Dual shortly after we established our Australia business in 2004.

“In that time, they have both made invaluable contributions to our growth and today we are a $350 million organisation with ambitions to grow significantly over the next five years in both Australia and New Zealand.”