DUAL New Zealand has named Darren Woolnough (pictured) as its new head of specialty, bringing him back to the business after more than 10 years.
He will oversee the specialty underwriting division, with responsibility for broker engagement and portfolio development.
At QBE, he worked across several management positions, including national operations, service excellence, and digital partnerships.
His experience spans more than two decades across underwriting, operational leadership, and broker relationship management.
Woolnough said the specialty team has the capability and momentum to expand its position in the market.
“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,” he said.
A focus for the year ahead will be establishing a consistent identity for the team and aligning placement strategies across multiple lines.
Woolnough said this will include developing cohesion between products and ensuring brokers understand the specific areas where DUAL can contribute.
“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,” he said.
According to Woolnough, strong broker relationships are critical to navigating specialty risks.
“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,” he said.
He added that brokers who succeed in the current market are those who combine technical knowledge with the ability to simplify complex risks for clients.
“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,” Woolnough said.
The appointment follows recent changes across DUAL’s Australia and New Zealand operations.
In July, the underwriting agency named Michael Ussher as managing director of DUAL Australia and Paula Sheppard-Jones as managing director of DUAL New Zealand.
At the time, DUAL ANZ chief executive Damien Coates said the new country leaders provide clear accountability for product delivery and client outcomes.
