Long-serving Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) GM William Legge has announced he will retire in December, sparking a search for the peak body’s next leader.

Mr Legge, who moved to Australia from the UK as a teenager in 1954, previously worked for insurers and underwriting agencies across Australia and Asia, and was appointed UAC’s first GM in 2011.

He has overseen a period of rapid growth, which he puts down to the personal focus, expertise, and entrepreneurship of member companies.

In 2007 UAC had 65 voting members and today, including Sura and Steadfast brands, it has 130. In the same period gross written premium has risen from about $2 billion to more than $12 billion.

“It’s down to the skillset and the knowledge base of the people running our underwriting agencies,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

He says his insurance career has been “a fascinating journey” and thanked everyone who has supported him along the way.

“Insurance is the basis for all commerce and it is a great industry to be involved in,” he said.

“It’s the joy of helping people to get back on their feet and giving them hope when there was no hope before.”

He says the Australian economy and underwriting agencies sector is primed for further growth.

UAC Chairman Kurt Nilsen thanked Mr Legge on behalf of the board for his “years of dedication”.

“William’s depth of knowledge of the underwriting agency sector and his commitment to member services is indisputable,” he said.

“It will be sad to see William finish up at UAC however he will remain in his role until UAC’s next AGM. He has also agreed to be available after that to assist the board and his successor to help with the implementation of the UAC’s 2025 Strategic Plan.”

Mr Nilsen says the search for Mr Legge’s successor will take place “over the next few months”.