Darren Woolnough - Head of Specialty

We’re excited to welcome back Darren Woolnough to DUAL after 12 years, as our Head of Specialty in New Zealand. 

In his role, Darren leads our Specialty Underwriting team, supporting brokers with access to expert guidance and insights tailored to their unique needs.

With over 20 years of industry experience and a strong focus on building broker relationships, Darren is committed to strengthening partnerships, enhancing our Specialty team’s market presence, and contributing solutions in an evolving market.

Here’s a quick insight from Darren on what’s ahead:

Darren's vision for the Specialty team

“We have an energised and capable team ready to grow. There’s a real opportunity to build a portfolio that reflects the depth of talent we have - the momentum is there, and we’re ready to harness it.”

How Darren supports brokers

Darren's approach is grounded in responsiveness and genuine listening:

“Brokers are advocates for their clients, and that advocacy is built on trust. The market is shifting toward relationship-driven models, where empathy and agility aren’t just nice to have - they’re essential. By listening first, we position ourselves as true partners.”

Team priorities for the next 12 months

"We’ll be focused on defining a clear identity for the Specialty team, building cohesion across multiline placements, and pushing innovation within our core product suite. It’s about being deliberate, making sure our brokers know exactly what we stand for and where we add value."

Advice for brokers navigating Specialty risks

“The brokers who stand out go beyond policy wording. They build strong relationships with clients and underwriters and translate complex risks into clear, tailored solutions. In New Zealand’s market, where trust and agility matter, that ability is what sets you apart.”

Please join us in welcoming Darren back to DUAL.