After founding DUAL Australia in 2004, Damien Coates has proved to be an exemplary leader, guiding the business through impressive organic growth to become Australia’s largest independent underwriting agency and Lloyd’s of London’s largest intermediated coverholder in Australia. With more than 20 years in the industry, and senior DAMIEN COATES CEO, Asia-Pacific DUAL experience in international and global roles, Coates remains a key figure in the Australian insurance space.
DUAL has been actively pursuing new opportunities: towards the end of 2018, Coates confirmed the company had reached an agreement with Aviation & Marine Underwriting to merge the two firms’ marine businesses to create SALT Marine Risks.
“We recognise that marine is a specialised segment of the insurance market, and a dedicated brand will enable the unit to better develop and promote its products and services in the region,” Coates said following the announcement.
This isn’t the first time Coates has been included in the Insurance Business Hot List, but it’s no surprise he’s making a repeat appearance – since the launch of the Insurance Business Brokers on Underwriting Agencies survey in 2005, DUAL has repeatedly cleaned up. Brokers consistently point to the underwriter as a standout performer, particularly in the areas of D&O liability, management liability and professional indemnity.
