Sedgwick has appointed Shane O’Dea as head of strategic partnerships and programs in workers’ compensation as it expands its Australian operations in the area.

Mr O’Dea has held board and executive leadership positions during 25 years in the workers’ compensation and personal injury sector.

At WorkSafe Victoria his roles included Executive Director Agent Transition and Executive Director Insurance Business Unit, according to his LinkedIn page.

“Shane will be pivotal in building our industry relationships and programs to support our entry and progression into the Australian workers’ compensation environment,” Sedgwick Australia COO Tracey Harris said.

Sedgwick last month said it had acquired employer-based telehealth provider Direct Health Solutions, entering the absence management area in Australia and expanding its global offering.