Former Lumley Insurance GM Strategic Relationships David Pearce is being kept busy answering more than 1600 emails received from industry friends and colleagues following his sudden departure from the company two weeks ago.

Mr Pearce told staff his doctor had “left me with no choice” following neurosurgery last year and later developments that will require further surgery.

Lumley CEO Vivek Bhatia says in a note to staff that Mr Pearce’s “energy and can-do attitude will be missed by us all”.

He says the company “has achieved many major strategic initiatives” over the past five years under Mr Pearce’s guidance.

“As well as being a key leader in our organisation, David is also very well known and respected in the broader insurance industry,” he said.