IAG announces death of retired leader

A former senior leader of one of the country’s leading insurers has died, it has been announced

Insurance News

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An industry veteran, who spent well over three decades in insurance, has died.

Malcolm Freeman, who retired from IAG last September, died last Thursday evening following a short illness.

Freeman’s time with IAG spanned over 35 years as he began his career in Tasmania with T&G Insurance in 1978, which was later bought by Commercial Union, where he worked in the National Underwriting Room.

He went on to work in a number of senior roles with IAG including commercial insurances manager for Commercial Union QLD, personal insurances manager for Commercial Union Asia, NSW state manager in workers’ compensation, and general manager of business partners.

Some of Freeman’s strongest achievements were in parts of the IAG business considered to be “particularly challenging”. He played a key role in establishing CGU Marine business and, in more recent times, led the integration of the Wesfarmers Insurance businesses.

In a message to employees last Friday, Ben Bessell, chief executive of the Australian Business Division of IAG, said that Freeman was an “exceptional insurance professional”, as well as a “passionate, smart and generous man”. On a personal note, Bessell also described Freeman as a “great friend”, who had provided him with “much guidance and advice over many years”.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Malcolm’s family, particularly his wife Jane, and their children Simon and Amy,” Bessell said.

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