Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) has announced the appointment of Gary Woodhams as its new National Underwriting Manager, a strategic position created to bolster the company’s national underwriting operations and strengthen its broker engagement strategy.
The appointment officially took effect on June 2.
Veteran Insurance Leader Joins UAA
Woodhams, who is based in Perth, will report directly to Jane King, Executive General Manager of Plant and Machinery. His responsibilities include overseeing underwriting consistency, portfolio development, technical training, and capability building across UAA’s national underwriting team.
Bringing over 45 years of experience in the insurance industry, Woodhams has worked across underwriting, broking, and portfolio management. He has held senior roles at notable firms such as Zurich, Aon, Marsh, Westpac Insurance Services, and the National Insurance Company of New Zealand. Most recently, he served at National Transport Insurance, focusing on insurance solutions for heavy vehicles, mobile plant, and equipment.
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Driving Technical Excellence and Broker Support
According to Jane King, the creation of this new role aligns with UAA’s broader strategy to deliver technically sound and consistent underwriting practices across Australia.
“UAA has built deep-rooted relationships grounded in mutual respect, reliability, and a genuine commitment to supporting our valued customers,” King said.
“Gary’s wealth of experience and leadership will be instrumental in enhancing these partnerships and driving innovative solutions that truly meet the needs of our brokers and clients.”
She added that the appointment supports UAA’s long-term vision of offering industry-leading service and risk solutions for plant and equipment insurance.
Focused on Sustainable Growth and Underwriting Excellence
Woodhams expressed enthusiasm about joining a company with a long-standing reputation in plant and equipment insurance.
“I’m thrilled to join the UAA team – a long-standing and respected name in plant & equipment insurance,” he said.
“I look forward to leading the national plant and equipment portfolio and enhancing underwriting capabilities to support sustainable, profitable growth as the business evolves.”
With the increasing demand for specialized insurance in the motor and machinery sectors, UAA’s decision to invest in experienced leadership underscores its commitment to future-proofing its services and supporting brokers with more precise underwriting solutions.
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A Strategic Move Amid Industry Growth
This appointment comes at a time when Australia’s mobile plant and machinery insurance market is evolving due to infrastructure expansion and growing regulatory compliance requirements. As such, UAA aims to stay ahead by reinforcing its technical underwriting standards and offering comprehensive risk solutions tailored to client needs.
By placing an industry veteran like Gary Woodhams at the helm of its national underwriting strategy, UAA is well-positioned to further its role as a market leader in plant, machinery, and mobile equipment insurance.
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