Management consulting firm The Bridge International has appointed former Suncorp executive Graeme Browne as an associate. 

Mr Browne will report to Partner Stuart Brown to help boost its commercial services practice and offer advice for insurance-based clients. 

Mr Browne has more than two decades of industry experience and joins the company after eight years as Suncorp’s Head of Motor Claims in ACT and NSW. He has also held other senior positions at the insurer, as well as notable roles at Wesfarmers Insurance and BT Financial Group. 

Mr Brown says the appointment comes at a time of “high demand” for the insurance sector, particularly around claims. 

“We’ve seen an increased demand in work in that sector and Graeme is someone we’ve worked with on and off for the last 20 years, so we considered it a good fit around our needs and where he was at with his career,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. 

“He’ll be working across the claims space with our clients, where he carries in-depth experience not just in claims but in the overall insurance business given the amazing brands he’s worked with in his career.” 

The appointment is in line with The Bridge’s “non-traditional management practice”, which prioritises hiring experienced practitioners across personal and commercial lines over “career consultants”. 

“We say we are the bridge between strategy and execution, which is very different to traditional big four consulting houses,” Mr Brown said.

“The difference is we bring practitioners and experienced consultants that have worked in industry for many years and know what it’s like to walk in our clients’ shoes and face the challenges they have.

“Our practitioner model has really resonated with our clients and when Graeme became available, we knew he could bring that expertise.” 

The firm, which has offices across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and North America, has worked with notable insurance brands nationwide, including Suncorp, Allianz, QBE, IAG and RACQ Insurance. 

The Bridge International Co-Managing Director Stuart Blake says Mr Browne’s appointment brings a “seasoned, high performing” addition to the company’s operation at a crucial moment to address the industry’s demands. 

“At a time when insurance is confronting significant headwinds, particularly claims inflation, we are working across numerous clients to help review their claims strategy and operational capabilities,” Mr Blake said.