DUAL appoints ANZ Managing Directors to lead strategic expansion across the region

Written by DUAL | Jul 9, 2025 2:52:36 AM

DUAL ANZ CEO, Damien Coates has announced the appointments of Michael Ussher to the role of Managing Director of DUAL Australia and Paula Sheppard-Jones to the role of Managing Director, DUAL New Zealand.

In assuming these roles, Michael and Paula will join their respective country boards and continue reporting to Damien.

‘’These appointments 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,” said Damien.

“This allows me to continue my focus on driving strategic growth for ANZ across areas such as product diversification and acquisitions. We have a very clear strategy to grow from $500m to $1bn GWP in the next five years, and a clear, robust structure is necessary to support that growth.

“With operational management of the region sitting with Michael and Paula, Craig Wincote will continue reporting to me in his role as CUO, overseeing our underwriting strategy and claims capability. This structure allows us to maintain our outstanding underwriting performance on behalf of over 30 carrier partners and continue delivering strong growth through changing market cycles, something we've delivered consistently for 21 years.”

Michael’s appointment is in addition to his current role as DUAL ANZ Deputy CEO, where he retains responsibility for the Sales & Marketing, HR/People and Legal/Governance functions across ANZ.

Other key promotions at DUAL ANZ include:

Davina Smith, appointed Head of Sales & Marketing to deliver a fully integrated sales and marketing strategy for the 11,000+ brokers who use DUAL ANZ annually.
Tahlia Carratt, appointed Head of Legal & Governance to oversee our critical governance pillars.
Damian Browne, appointed Deputy Managing Director (NZ), with a focus on broker engagement and product development to support sustained growth for NZ.

Damien continued, "I am extremely proud 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. Since we began DUAL in ANZ, we’ve consistently demonstrated a culture of empowerment and development which has led to our people feeling supported to have a crack at running big teams and taking on big roles in the business. All our people who are taking on new roles have invested significantly in DUAL, and I think we have recognised and rewarded that commitment."

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