Zurich has appointed Melissa Starfield as head of strategic broker management for its general insurance business in Australia and New Zealand.

The move follows the departure of Hamish MacLean, who has joined Delta Insurance.

Ms Starfield was most recently head of authorised representatives, a role she had held since joining Zurich from Insurance House in November 2024, according to her LinkedIn.

“This is an exciting step in Zurich’s ongoing growth journey and Mel’s leadership ensures continuity … Mel’s energy, clarity and passion for partnership make her the right leader for this next chapter,” chief distribution and deal management officer Giles Crowley said.

Mr Crowley says there are plans to invest and expand the team to “strengthen our strategic broker and AR capabilities, and I look forward to sharing more details with you soon”.