Craig Mauger has joined Criterion Underwriting as executive director for commercial distribution, as the agency expands its property and liability offering, its reinsurance business and its structured risk solutions and surety capabilities.

He will have responsibility for strengthening broker relationships, developing strategic partnerships and driving growth.

Mr Mauger was most recently chief commercial officer at QIB Group, where he led brokerage growth, hard-to-place risk, claims services, and expansion of insurer and service relationships.

He has also led broker distribution for QBE across Queensland and northern NSW.

Criterion CEO Ian Mundy says the company has built a strong reputation for underwriting complex risks, including in specialist sectors such as waste and recycling.

“We see significant opportunities to bring that same specialist approach to a much broader commercial market,” Mr Mundy said.

Mr Mauger says he was attracted by the opportunity to grow the specialist business and take Criterion’s capability to more brokers.

“Brokers are looking for underwriters who will engage with challenging risks and make it easier to do business,” he said.