Ace Insurance has appointed Gabija Simmonds as Legal Counsel for Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney.

For the past seven years she has been head of legal for insurance at Westpac.

Ace Country President for Australia and New Zealand John French says Ms Simmonds’ broad understanding of insurance and her experience managing a legal team are essential qualities.

She replaces Brendan Hammond, who was with Ace for nearly nine years.