Gow-Gates Insurance Broking Group has appointed former Cover-More executive Judith Crompton to lead an expansion into retail and corporate travel insurance. 

The broker is in the process of developing product offerings as it taps into rising demand for the insurance as travel rebounds following disruptions during the pandemic. 

“Definitely there is a lot of pent-up demand, and there is a lot of opportunity in the marketplace as well for a new entrant to come in and just do things a bit differently,” Ms Crompton told insuranceNEWS.com.au. 

“There is a huge amount of international travel at the moment, and travel is almost back to where it was pre-covid.” 

Ms Crompton, who takes up the role of Director, Travel Insurance Services, has more than 30 years’ experience in the travel, aviation and insurance industries. Previous positions have included Cover-More Asia Pacific CEO and Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer. 

Capacity for the new Gow-Gates offering will be provided through an international insurer and products will be distributed through travel sector organisations, with the timeline being determined. 

Australia’s international borders re-opened from November 2021 for outbound journeys, and Ms Crompton says on the leisure side many people who were cautious in the first year are now booking trips. At the same time, experiences in recent years have highlighted and underscored the value of travel insurance. 

“People do realise they do need to take cover when they travel,” she said. “We are going to have a good value proposition for customers out there.” 

Gow-Gates, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, has provided cover for travel agents and tour operators, assisting that sector for more than four decades.  

The broker says it will draw upon existing partnerships, build on established relationships and forge new ones as it expands with its new offerings. 

“I am excited about joining Gow-Gates and expanding their truly innovative customer-focused travel insurance operation,” Ms Crompton said. “I have long admired Gow-Gates for their professionalism, service ethics and forward-thinking approach to the insurance industry”.