Head of Underwriting - Chris Harnett
360 Underwriting is delighted to announce that we have appointed Chris Harnett as the Head of Underwriting who commenced on Monday, 11th December 2023.
Chris has worked in the insurance industry for 36 years, across numerous roles. His roles have focused in Underwriting and Senior Management with extensive experience in, and with, underwriting agencies. This includes 10 years as Underwriting Director of two successful multi-line agencies, over 9 years at QBE and for the past 6 years in General Management roles at Insurance and Care NSW – focused on Warranty, Workers Compensation and Prevention.
Jason Clarke, CEO Australian Director added:
"Chris is a great addition to 360 given his background and experience, great subject matter knowledge, and calm and considered approach to any issue and opportunity. His track record of success is underscored by a keen understanding of market dynamics, coupled with an unwavering commitment to delivering innovative solutions. With Chris on board, we anticipate reaching new heights of excellence and innovation in the next phase of 360."
360 is continuing to grow its Group Services Function to make on our promise to deliver Solutions you Want, Service you Expect from the People you Know.
Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Niels Laaper
360 Underwriting is delighted to announce that we have appointed Niels Laaper as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) commencing Monday, 12th February 2024.
Niels has had a decorated career in a range of Executive Leadership and Directorship roles in the Information Technology sector.
Of crucial relevance to 360 is the decade that Niels spent at Steadfast where he commenced as the Chief Executive Officer of the Steadfast Hub in 2005 before progressing to the role of Executive General Manager – Underwriting Agency Technology Services.
Denis Morrissey, Founding Managing Director added;
"Niels possesses a wealth of experience. His primary focus lies in fostering business growth, spearheading innovation and providing exceptional client service through the implementation of operational excellence. Niels unique blend of commercial acumen, analytical prowess and strategic thinking empowers him to deliver outstanding results. His authentic and trusted approach to people management as well as his ability to extract the best from teams, business partners and vendors will underpin the next evolution of our technology journey at 360."
360 will draw on Niels and his experience to bring great value to the Group Services function to continue to deliver solutions and service to our broking partners.
During the recent lockdown, 360 has welcomed the following highly experienced industry leaders to its Group Services division.
- James Lawrence - Head of Legal, Compliance & Corporate Secretariat.
Coming from the large multinational Munich Re and previously having worked for one of Australia’s largest insurers the Suncorp Group, James brings vast experience having held various corporate legal, compliance and risk management roles. James takes a proactive and commercial approach in his engagement with all stakeholders across the value chain and is enjoying the fast pace at 360. - Maree Thompson - Chief Information Officer.
Coming from IAG’s Claims Platform division Maree brings a strong track record of delivering results in large scale, complex environments with experience managing nationally and internationally dispersed AGILE teams. At 360 Maree and her team will be continually refining and improving the 360 Compass Platform powered by eSentry Technology, which enables intermediaries to transact securely in real-time, across the ever increasing 360 Product range. - Leanne Angell - Chief Technical Officer.
Having held senior roles at Finity Consulting and Allianz Australia across multiple functions including portfolio management, business development, strategy, customer research and claims Leanne is ready to dive into each of the 360 portfolios. Leanne thrives in in fast paced and diverse environments so will fit right in at 360.
“We are thrilled to have been able to attract such wonderful talent to lead the 360 business into its fifth year of operation. Each will play a major role in enhancing our service and responsiveness for brokers across all parts of the value chain.” Explained Denis Morrissey, 360 Underwriting Solutions Director.
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360 Underwriting Solutions is delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Rooks as its Head of Legal, Compliance and Company Secretariat.
The ambitious Broker centric underwriting agency has been gearing up over the past twelve months to finalise the transition of a number of operational services that had continued to be provided by SURA during 360’s first year of operation.
Following the appointments of Catherine Whitaker (CFO), Theo Stevens (CIO), Norlie Dooma (Claims) and Stefani Klarin (National Sales Operations), Margaret’s appointment completes the Executive Leadership team and positions the Agency to continue to deliver on its growth ambitions.
“Given the climate that exists in the areas of risk and governance, finding a senior executive to lead this crucial function within the business was critical." Explained Denis Morrissey, 360 Underwriting Solutions Director.
Margaret joins 360 with a resume that boasts the following key appointments and experience ;
- AON Benfield; Reinsurance Treaty Specialist
- AON Risk Services Australia Ltd; Corporate Counsel – Australia and Pacific
- Suncorp Group, Commercial Services; Leader of Legal Services
- AIG Europe Limited; Legal Counsel – Continental Europe
Prior to this Margaret practiced Law with a number of leading law firms including Sparke Helmore, completed an MBA with distinction at Oxford University (UK) having previously completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at the University of Technology Sydney.
Fellow Director Chris Lynch added, “We are thrilled to have Margaret join the 360 team given the wealth of experience she brings.”
Please join us in welcoming Margaret to 360 Underwriting Solutions.
- Denis Morrissey, Director, 360UW
360 Underwriting Solutions is delighted to announce the appointment of Catherine Whitaker as its Chief Financial Officer.
Whitaker joins the ambitious Broker-centric underwriting agency after having most recently established her own accounting and business analytics business in Newcastle, following a stellar career as the Chief Financial Officer for Insurance Advisernet through to 2015.
During her thirteen years at Insurance Advisernet, Whitaker held the reins as CFO during a period of substantial growth while overseeing increased governance and regulatory controls throughout the network.
360 Underwriting Solutions Director Denis Morrissey spoke of the central role Whitaker will play. “Catherine brings a deep level of financial acumen to our business, as well as a comprehensive understanding of Insurance markets and the operating requirements of Underwriting Agencies.”
“Catherine is the ideal person to drive the transition of the finance and accounting functions from SURA to 360 Underwriting Solutions,” added fellow Director Chris Lynch. “Getting the transition right is important and Catherine will play a key role in making that happen.”
Commenting on her appointment Whitaker said, “I am very excited by the role and the opportunity to be part of a growing organisation. The culture and dynamic environment are a perfect fit for me and I look forward to the challenges and success I am sure 360 will achieve.”