The Australian direct personal lines market isn’t as crowded as some others, says Real Insurance’s new CEO.

Clive Mendes told insuranceNEWS.com.au that “finding a community of customers and making a connection” is the key to success.

The international insurance veteran is a former CEO of Royal Insurance’s Italian direct insurance operation and was Group Strategy Director of Royal & Sun Alliance in the UK.

The Hollard-owned company’s outgoing CEO, Roger Grobler, now takes on the role of Chairman. He agrees the market isn’t over-crowded.

“There’s a lot more players in the market than three years ago, but we’re still dealing with a market that’s uncompetitive,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.