Michael Ussher has been promoted to MD at Dual Australia, while Paula Sheppard-Jones has taken the New Zealand MD role.

The pair will join their respective country boards and continue reporting to CEO Damien Coates, whose focus is on strategic growth, including acquisitions.

Mr Coates says a robust structure is needed to support “a very clear strategy to grow from $500 million to $1 billion [gross written premium] in the next five years”.

The promotions are “important in communicating clear direction to our people and clients that Michael and Paula have ultimate responsibility for the delivery of our products and services”. 

In other promotions, Damian Browne becomes deputy MD for New Zealand, focused on broker engagement and product development; Perth-based Davina Smith moves to head of sales and marketing to “deliver a strategy for the 11,000-plus brokers who use Dual ANZ annually”; and Sydney-based Tahlia Carratt becomes head of legal and governance.

“These appointments recognise the long-term growth of some of our strongest leaders, many of whom have been with us for over 10 or even 15 years,” Mr Coates said.  

“Our people feel supported to have a crack at running big teams and taking on big roles in the business ... We have recognised and rewarded their commitment.”

Melbourne-based Mr Ussher, who has been at Dual almost 19 years, was promoted to deputy CEO in September 2022. He will continue in that role, overseeing sales and marketing, human resources and legal/governance functions.

He was formerly an underwriter, WA manager and Asia-Pacific commercial manager.