Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) has appointed Gary Woodhams (pictured) as national underwriting manager, a newly introduced position designed to support national underwriting operations and broker engagement strategies.
The appointment is effective from June 2.
Operating from Perth, Woodhams reports to Jane King, executive general manager of plant and machinery. His role encompasses oversight of portfolio development, underwriting consistency, capability building, and technical training across UAA’s underwriting team.
Woodhams brings four and a half decades of experience in insurance, including underwriting, broking, and portfolio oversight. He has held senior positions at firms such as the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, Zurich, Westpac Insurance Services, Aon, Marsh, and most recently, National Transport Insurance. His technical expertise includes insurance programs for heavy vehicles, mobile plant, and related equipment.
King commented that the appointment supports UAA’s strategic objective of delivering more consistent and technically driven underwriting practices.
“UAA has built deep-rooted relationships grounded in mutual respect, reliability, and a genuine commitment to supporting our valued customers. 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 said.
Woodhams stated that joining UAA was a valuable opportunity to help develop the national plant and equipment insurance portfolio.
“I’m thrilled to join the UAA team – a long-standing and respected name in plant & equipment insurance. I look forward to leading the national plant and equipment portfolio and enhancing underwriting capabilities to support sustainable, profitable growth as the business evolves,” he said.
The appointment follows a strategic 10-year underwriting agreement UAA signed with QBE Insurance in May 2025, covering operations in Australia and New Zealand.
The arrangement includes UAA’s New Zealand subsidiary, Underwriting Agencies of New Zealand Ltd (UANZ).
This renewal continues a longstanding alliance between the two organisations and confirms QBE’s ongoing capacity support for UAA’s specialised insurance products.
“Our relationship with QBE has been instrumental in maintaining our position as an industry leader, and we are eager to continue working together to provide innovative and tailored underwriting solutions over the next decade,” said Stan Alexandropoulos, UAA group CEO.
