Whitbread Insurance Brokers says Lia de Sousa has been appointed CEO, as the business hones its strata specialisation.

“With nearly 40 years of insurance experience and more than 25 with Whitbread, Lia brings deep expertise, steady leadership and a clear vision for the future of our business,” the company says in a LinkedIn post.

Ms de Sousa, who joined Whitbread in 1997, was previously EGM of the strata division.

“Under Lia’s direction, Whitbread will sharpen its focus and from 2026 will operate exclusively within strata insurance and strata-related services,” the post says.

“This strategic shift strengthens Whitbread’s long-standing commitment to strata managers, owners’ corporations and communities across Australia.”

Whitbread says while its structure is evolving, its team remains unchanged.

Ms de Sousa takes over from Michael Giansiracusa, who has resigned after leading Whitbread since it was acquired by Steadfast at the end of 2017.  

In addition to strata, Whitbread has provided commercial and personal insurance.