Agile Insurance Group has made its first underwriting hire in New Zealand, appointing Liz Geden (pictured) as senior liability underwriter.
The move marks a step forward in the company’s plan to build a local presence following the establishment of New Zealand’s first Lloyd’s Syndicate Service company.
Geden, who will be based in New Zealand, brings over 20 years of experience in liability insurance. Her background includes managing underwriting portfolios and leading teams nationally.
Agile said her appointment reflects its intent to provide direct, in-market support for brokers and businesses.
In a statement, Geden said she is focused on delivering a practical and collaborative underwriting approach.
“I am thrilled to be joining such an innovative team, and I am very much looking forward to getting Agile New Zealand up and running. The market needs some new ideas and a fresh approach, and that’s exactly what I aim to bring,” she said.
Agile co-founder Robin Barham said Geden’s experience and broker relationships position her well to support the firm’s New Zealand expansion.
“We are so excited to have someone of Liz’s calibre joining us in New Zealand – she’s a perfect fit for our solution-orientated culture, [and she] has deep knowledge of the market and a strong following among brokers. We’re thrilled to be able to offer brokers direct access to our Lloyd’s Syndicate’s products in their home country – without the delays usually inherent in going offshore,” he said.
The company confirmed plans to continue hiring locally as it builds out its underwriting capabilities. Agile’s Syndicate 2427, based at Lloyd’s, provides the capacity behind its policies.
See LinkedIn post here.
Alongside the announcement, Geden shared commentary on the state of liability underwriting in New Zealand. She said the market has long been shaped by a small group of providers, resulting in limited competition and few alternative options for businesses.
“With little room for competition, businesses often find themselves navigating a landscape where innovation is scarce and adaptability is limited,” she said.
Geden noted that traditional pricing structures are being tested as businesses experience reduced turnover and profitability. She said underwriters face the challenge of maintaining viable pricing while exposure levels remain steady.
“Many businesses are facing downturns in turnover and profit, challenging the traditional pricing models in New Zealand. Underwriters must now grapple with a sustainability challenge – how to maintain profitability in a market where income is declining, but risk exposure remains unchanged,” she said.
Geden noted that Agile is positioning itself to offer more flexible and responsive underwriting in a market where businesses are seeking greater alignment between risk and coverage.
