Former RAA Insurance CEO and previous Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) board member David Russell has joined consultancy The Bridge International, offering executive coaching and mentoring.

Mr Russell retired from South Australia’s RAA last year after overseeing strong growth in the member-owned organisation during 12 years as CEO. He remains on the South Australian Government Financing Authority Advisory Board.

“We feel extremely privileged to have someone with Dave’s background and experience join us, offering executive coaching and mentoring,” The Bridge MD and former insurance executive Stuart Blake said.

“David is passionate about developing people, building a strong inclusive team culture and driving sustainable profitable growth by executing well defined strategies and embedding change across an organisation.”

Mr Russell also held a number of senior positions over two decades with South Australian insurer SGIC, now part of IAG, and is a previous colleague of The Bridge founders Mr Blake and David McDonald.

During his career he has received and seen the benefit of coaching and mentorship, which can help overcome doubts and assist executives in achieving higher levels of performance and pushing beyond comfort zones, he says.

“I think that is the challenge, to be your personal best, and that means challenging yourself and lifting others and motivating others to be the best they can be,” he tells insuranceNEWS.com.au. “That is the area where I am the most passionate, after seeing how people can grow and what they can achieve.”

RAA’s motor insurance market share expanded to 35%, and home insurance to 25% under Mr Russell’s leadership, while it also recorded a strong increase in gross written premium.

The Bridge International operates in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and North America. The firm works across multiple industries and in insurance has assisted companies including RAA, QBE, Suncorp, Swiss Re and Allianz.