Specialty lines insurer HDI Global has appointed a new Sydney-based underwriting manager as it grows its footprint in Australia.

Gerrie Johnson has taken on the role of HDI’s underwriting manager, Delegated Authority Business. Ms Johnson was most recently class underwriter, international property at Talbot Underwriting. She has previously held roles at AIG and Lloyd’s syndicate Probitas 1492 in London.

“We are continuing to build our overall underwriting capability in delegated authority business in Australia, where we continue to see significant growth opportunities,” GM Mark Fleiser said.

HDI hired two senior aviation underwriters in Australia last month, and also appointed Willem van Wyk to head up its regional market management practice in Australasia and ASEAN in a newly created position. He will start in the role in January.

Mr van Wyk and HDI MD Stefan Feldmann were formerly colleagues at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS).