After an amazing 22 years at the helm, industry stalwart Gary Dawson has announced he will be stepping down as Managing Director and CEO on 1 July 2021, with Ivan Verescuk assuming his position.
Axis was established in 1999 by Gary, as a business unit of Whitbread Insurance Group and both businesses were acquired by Steadfast in 2017. Under his astute strategic and operational leadership Axis has flourished into a significant underwriting agency. Gary has long been regarded as one of the foremost commercial property underwriters in the Australian market. Excellent underwriting results have cemented strong, enduring relationships with the agency’s security providers, Lloyd’s, HDI and AXA XL.
Gary’s wealth of experience and expertise will not be lost from Axis and the market. He will continue with the business for the next 12 months as Executive Director, ensuring a seamless transition.
Ivan Verescuk has more than 20 years experience working in the insurance industry and has been with Axis for seven years as General Manager. During this time, he has made a strong contribution to the business where has he established, managed and delivered all aspects of the Axis residential strata; claims and administration functions.
Additionally, Ivan has also been acting as an “understudy” to Gary in the commercial property segment. With his experience and with Gary’s counsel, the Board believes the business will continue to flourish, serving the interests of all stakeholders in the positive manner to which we have become accustomed.
On behalf of the Board, I offer sincere thanks to Gary for his many years of outstanding service and his significant achievements. His is a legacy which will never be forgotten. And I offer my congratulations and best wishes to Ivan as he assumes the role of Managing Director & CEO.
Gary Gribbin
Chairman
