Zurich Financial Services is getting serious about growing its share of the life market in Australia, bringing in managers for its marketing and business projects units and extending its life risk products.

Head of Life Risk Chris Kirby wants to make the market “a strong and growing part” of the group’s business. “Advisers need more support in this area, and [our] strategy is to grow the business through a range of business solutions and services that will assist intermediaries in managing and growing their businesses.”

Using advisers’ feedback as a base, Zurich has introduced new benefits that automatically apply to all lump sum contracts since 1997. A new range of optional benefits for disability contracts since 1998 has also been introduced.

Mr Kirby says comprehensive marketing support material has also been introduced for advisers’ professional and business clients.