Zurich has appointed Michael Cooke as head of financial lines for Australia and New Zealand.

He joins from Vero, where he was SME executive manager. His previous experience includes 17 years at Vero’s parent Suncorp, where he held several senior roles, and underwriting positions at QBE.

Mr Cooke will replace Bill Hassos, who retired in July, and says it is a “privilege to join such a great team”.