Premium funding veteran Bob Dodd has joined the recently merged Premium Funding/ Principal Finance group in the newly created role of Commercial Director.

He will be responsible for driving key partnerships and will collaborate on strategic plan development and execution.

Mr Dodd has more than 20 years’ experience in the premium funding industry, holding a number of senior roles including at Centrepoint Alliance and GE Capital. He was most recently head of premium funding at BOQ Finance.

“We’re excited to have [him] on board,” Premium Funding/Principal Finance Group Company CEO Daniel Gronert said. “[He] is highly qualified and has extensive commercial and compliance experience.

“His proven track record of successfully bringing two premium funding companies together will prove valuable to our business.”

Premium Funding and Principal Finance announced in January the two businesses will merge, creating what they say is the largest independent funder in the country.

The two businesses continue to operate separately under their respective names, with plans for a new brand identity among developments in the pipeline.