Zurich has appointed Steven Ord as EGM Commercial in Australia.

He moves from Ace, where he was state manager Victoria and Tasmania for 18 months.

Before that he worked in London as Chubb’s senior VP and accident and health manager. He has also served as Chubb Australia’s personal insurance manager.

Mr Ord’s appointment comes as Zurich refocuses its Australian operations on its areas of expertise and a distinct market position.

Its commercial operation focuses on the SME and mid-market sectors, particularly motor, financial lines and business packages.

CEO General Insurance Rajbir Nanra says Mr Ord’s experience will help strengthen broker relationships.

“Mr Ord has a wealth of experience in meeting and improving broker and customer expectations,” he said. “His proven leadership skills will align and inspire the commercial state managers, all of whom will report to him.”

A start date has yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Moss has been promoted to NSW Commercial State Manager.

He joined Zurich as national partnerships manager early last year. Before that he worked with broker Finn Foster APB and Chubb Insurance.

In Victoria Melanie Schulties has been appointed National Directors’ and Officers’ Product Manager and Mark Cocks has been promoted to Senior Underwriter, Corporate Institutions.

Ms Schulties has 20 years’ experience, predominantly as a senior underwriter for AIG in Victoria.

Mr Cocks was previously Zurich’s senior business development underwriter, financial lines, in Victoria.