Zurich Financial Services has expanded its life insurance underwriting teams in Sydney and Brisbane.

Zurich Chief Underwriting Officer Tina Beilby says the move follows the takeover of Macquarie Life, as the insurer expands its capabilities.

“The team now has 16 additional members based in Sydney and Brisbane, including the Health Connect tele-underwriting team, and boasts enhanced underwriting capabilities to service advisers and policyholders,” she said.

“We have acquired great underwriting, tele-underwriting and claims expertise and now have a number of key roles working across both claims and underwriting.”

National Underwriting Manager Distribution Matthew Apps continues to report to Ms Beilby and will work closely with sales and distribution to deliver underwriting business development manager services for advisers.

National Underwriting Operations Manager Mary Sinclair-Porter, a new recruit, will also report to Ms Beilby.

Financial Underwriting and Claims Manager Tony Baker and Chief Medical Officer Matthew Paul have switched to Zurich from Macquarie.

“We’re delighted to add such high-calibre talent to build on the strength of Zurich’s existing underwriting team,” Ms Beilby said.