Strata Cover Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Whitbread Insurance Brokers Appoints Lia de Sousa as CEO

Strategic Shift Towards Exclusive Strata Insurance Services Announced

Whitbread Insurance Brokers Appoints Lia de Sousa as CEO?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Whitbread Insurance Brokers has announced the appointment of Lia de Sousa as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant strategic shift towards exclusive specialization in strata insurance services.
With nearly four decades of experience in the insurance industry, including over 25 years at Whitbread, Ms.
de Sousa brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

Having joined Whitbread in 1997, Ms. de Sousa previously served as the Executive General Manager of the strata division. Her deep understanding of the sector positions her well to lead the company's renewed focus on strata insurance. This strategic realignment underscores Whitbread's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions for strata managers, owners' corporations, and communities across Australia.

Effective from 2026, Whitbread will concentrate exclusively on strata insurance and related services. This decision reflects the company's dedication to addressing the unique challenges and requirements of the strata sector, ensuring that clients receive specialized and comprehensive coverage.

While the company's structural focus is evolving, Whitbread assures that its team remains unchanged, maintaining continuity and stability for clients. This move is anticipated to enhance the company's ability to deliver expert guidance on state-specific strata insurance requirements, offer competitive premiums with transparent pricing, and provide efficient claims processing with dedicated support.

For property owners and investors, this development signifies a strengthened partnership with an insurer deeply attuned to the intricacies of strata living. Whitbread's exclusive focus on strata insurance is expected to result in more customized policies, addressing the specific needs and concerns of strata communities.

As the strata property market in Australia continues to grow, with an estimated insured value reaching $1.4 trillion and approximately 4.2 million Australians residing in such properties, the demand for specialized insurance services is more pertinent than ever. Whitbread's strategic shift positions the company to meet this demand effectively, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the strata insurance landscape.

Published:Wednesday, 25th Feb 2026
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

CHU Unveils Enhanced Residential Strata Insurance Policy
CHU Unveils Enhanced Residential Strata Insurance Policy
05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
CHU, Australia's leading strata insurance underwriting agency, has launched a new residential strata insurance policy designed to better support property owners and strata communities. This initiative reflects CHU's commitment to delivering customer-focused solutions that simplify insurance processes and enhance community resilience. - read more
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
ICA Advocates for Strata Law Reforms to Mitigate Rising Insurance Costs in Victoria
05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for significant reforms to Victoria's strata legislation, highlighting that poor governance and deferred maintenance are leading to increased insurance premiums for the one in five Victorians residing in strata-titled properties. In a submission to the Expert Panel Review of the Owners Corporations Act 2006, the ICA emphasised that building defects are costing Australians an estimated $1. - read more
Netstrata's Insurance Practices Raise Concerns Over Excessive Fees
Netstrata's Insurance Practices Raise Concerns Over Excessive Fees
05 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent developments have brought to light concerns regarding the insurance practices of Netstrata, a prominent strata management firm in Australia. Clients have reported the sudden appearance of past insurance invoices in their online portals, revealing brokerage fees significantly higher than industry norms. - read more
NSW Enforces Stricter Strata Maintenance Laws
NSW Enforces Stricter Strata Maintenance Laws
25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
New South Wales has introduced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the maintenance and repair obligations of strata properties, enhancing the safety and integrity of these communities. Effective from November 2025, these changes grant NSW Fair Trading the authority to issue compliance notices and enter enforceable undertakings with owners' corporations that fail to meet their maintenance responsibilities. - read more


Strata Insurance Articles

How to Make a Claim on Your Strata Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make a Claim on Your Strata Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to strata insurance, making a claim can feel daunting if you're not familiar with the process. A vital first step is understanding what constitutes a claimable event. Typically, these are events that lead to damage or loss in the common areas of a property, such as fire, storm damage, or vandalism. However, each policy can vary, so it’s important to check the specifics of what your coverage includes. - read more
The Importance of Updating Your Strata Insurance Policy
The Importance of Updating Your Strata Insurance Policy
Strata insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to cover shared property and common areas within a strata-titled property. This includes coverage for dwelling structures, common hallways, roofs, and sometimes even shared swimming pools or gardens. - read more
Understanding the Layers of Strata Insurance
Understanding the Layers of Strata Insurance
Strata insurance, also known as body corporate insurance, is a form of cover specifically designed for properties that share ownership or have multiple units. It typically covers the building and common areas, along with liability protection. This includes areas such as the roof, stairwells, lifts, driveways, and shared spaces in residential complexes, units, or apartments. - read more
Understanding State-by-State Insurance Requirements for Strata Schemes in Australia
Understanding State-by-State Insurance Requirements for Strata Schemes in Australia
Strata schemes are a popular form of property ownership in Australia, particularly in cities where high-density living is common. A strata scheme is essentially a building or collection of buildings that allows for individual ownership of a part of the property, combined with shared ownership of common areas. Residents coexist in a community and collectively manage shared spaces such as gardens, driveways, or facilities. - read more

Knowledgebase
Insurance Premium:
The periodic amount paid for the purchase of insurance.