Whitbread Insurance Brokers has started the year with a new CEO and Chairman following its $95 million acquisition by Steadfast in December.

Michael Giansiracusa has taken over as CEO after holding senior roles in both general and life insurance since joining the group in 2002. Previous positions included broking operations manager of the commercial division and GM corporate partnerships.

Industry identity Gary Seymour, a former Willis Australia MD and CEO of Macquarie Premium Funding and PSC Insurance Group, has taken over as Chairman from Angela Whitbread.

John Paul Whitbread, previously joint CEO with his sister Claire, will take up a non-executive role on the board.

Mr Giansiracusa says Steadfast’s ownership offers wider opportunities for the business.

“We have a new owner that is prepared to invest and grow us nationally, so it’s an exciting future for the staff and our clients,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

The Whitbread management team also includes GM Broking Ben Bowen, Finance GM Jenny Rodgerson and GM Strata Lia De Sousa.