Australian Insurance Industry Awards 2022
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AUDITORSILVERGOLDPLATINUM CO-FOUNDING PARTNER PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Australian Insurance Industry Awards 2022
This is the first year we have held the awards in person since 2019 and we are looking forward to seeing you all as we celebrate the year that was. The insurance industry’s ‘night of nights’ will showcase the achievements of individuals, businesses and discover new talent across the Australian insurance industry.
PRUE WILLSFORD CEO, ANZIIF
Thank you for helping us celebrate the Australian Insurance Industry and the year that was.
This year’s Australian finalists should all be incredibly proud of their achievements and for displaying excellence and remarkable professionalism. Thank you to our diverse judging panel, all of whom have given their time to assess the submissions and to our great partners and sponsors, who continue to support this leading celebration of excellence and help make this year’s event possible. Thank you to the many individuals and businesses who submitted applications; and to our co-founding partner, Asia Insurance Review.
On behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), welcome to the 2022 Australian Insurance Industry Awards. Now in its 18th year, the Australian Insurance Industry Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of both the individuals and businesses in Australian insurance and highlight the industry’s collective success.
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Presiding Judge’s Message
In 2022, ANZIIF introduced two new award categories: General Insurance Claims Team of the Year and Excellence in Environment, Social and Governance, which illustrate the progression our industry has made to support the Australian community over the past 12 months.
This year, we are acknowledging the way our industry has continued to support the customer, the community and its people and the extraordinary achievements that have helped our industry thrive.
She has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including management accounting at Macquarie Bank and policy development at Investment Funds and Superannuation Association. She has also held leadership roles in financial services product development, marketing and operations at Colonial Mutual and National Australia Bank.
Ansvar Insurance
A founding member of ANZIIF’s General Insurance Faculty Advisory Board, Jenny is passionate about contributing to advancing the skills and knowledge of insurance professionals in the Australian marketplace.
JENNY BAX NationalManagerDevelopment
2022 Australian Insurance Industry Awards
PRUE WILLSFORD CEO
Jenny is the National Development Manager at Ansvar Insurance. In her role, Jenny is responsible for the development & growth of National & Strategic Partners, ensuring that Ansvar is the insurer of choice in the core sectors they service.
Prue attended the Queensland University of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws. Prior to her appointment as ANZIIF CEO, she was the General Manager, Corporate Operations at State Trustees, a role which included the oversight of Finance, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Investments in a highly complex, medium size financial services company.
2022ANZIIF Judging Panel
With over 25 years insurance industry experience, Jenny has a proven track record in successfully leading distribution, underwriting and operational teams. Prior to Ansvar, Jenny was the General Manager Underwriting Agencies for Allianz, and has also held senior positions at QBE, both in Australia & Manila and CGU Insurance
Jenny has a Graduate Diploma in Insurance and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University.
Prue was the Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University and the Chairman of the Resources Committee and is currently a Board member at Citywide Service Solutions.
FIONA CAMERON General Manager Policy, Consumer Outcomes Insurance Council of Australia Fiona is the General Manager Policy, Consumer Outcomes, Insurance Council of Australia. Fiona is a member of the Insurance Council’s Executive Leadership Team with over fifteen years experience in public policy. Fiona’s areas of responsibility include self-regulation, the General Insurance Code of Practice and key Insurance Council engagement forums, for example, the Indigenous and Consumer Advisory Committees. The Consumer Outcomes Policy team considers a range of insurance issues including consumers experiencing vulnerability, external dispute resolution and statutory classes of personal injury insurance to drive fair policy outcomes. Fiona has held senior positions in regulation policy, government and stakeholder relations at the Insurance Council. Prior to that Fiona worked in various roles including as a senior advisor in government and as a Judge’s Associate.
SIMONE DOSSETOR CEO Insurtech Australia
This year marks Simon’s 41st year in the Insurance Industry; 10 years working in the London Market and over 30 years working here in Australia.
Simon has been a Reinsurance Broker and Programmes & Binders specialist for over 35 years; as well as working for Allianz Australia for 5 years (where he was the Senior Manager for SimonSompo).isdelighted to work at TigerRisk Partners Simon(Australia).isan ANZIIF (Fellow) CIP.
Simone is the CEO of Insurtech Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation with a vision to create a world leading insurtech ecosystem which aims to foster a diverse community of insurance innovation and collaboration across the Australian insurance industry. An experienced leader in the insurance industry, Simone has held senior executive roles in both Australia and the UK and also has management consulting experience. Her previous role was that of Chief Operating Officer for Munich Re in Australasia. Additionally, she has been a Non-Executive Director of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) since August 2018.
TigerRisk Partners (Australia)
ANDREW DAVIES Chief Executive Officer VMIA
SIMON CHANDLER Head of Reinsurance Broking, Programmes & Binders
LUKE DAVIES General Manager –Professional Standards
Since joining VMIA in 2015, Andrew has led the continued development of VMIA’s risk and insurance offering, and, formerly as Chief Insurance Officer, was responsible for the Authority’s insurance, reinsurance, claims and insights activities. With a background in management consulting and change leadership and having worked globally in executive roles across a diverse range of industries, Andrew brings clear strengths in transformational leadership, a detailed appreciation of VMIA’s operations and a passion for delivering real value for the state of Victoria.
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ANZIIF Luke is the General Manager of Professional Standards at ANZIIF and is responsible for the delivery of education and membership services, as well as establishment of ANZIIF’s Professional Standards framework. In his 15+ years at ANZIIF Luke has held a variety of different roles and led many significant initiatives, focusing on customer engagement and the development of insurance Lukeprofessionals.holdsaMaster of Enterprise (Executive) and a Bachelor of Environmental Science.
FIONA FONG Cyber Incident Management & Claims Lead – Pacific Marsh A lawyer by background, Fiona leads the cyber incident management and claims practice for Marsh Pacific. She is involved with providing a range of pre-incident and claims management services to large corporate and global clients, with a particular emphasis on managing a portfolio of complex cyber matters.
Damian is passionate about developing people to deliver growth across the insurance and finance sectors.
2022 Australian Insurance Industry Awards
DAMIAN FALKINGHAM General Manager Industry Engagement
KIMBERLEY JONSSON CEO CHUAgenciesUnderwriting
PHIL KIRWAN CEO NIBA Phil Kirwan has over 35 years’ experience in Financial Services and Insurance having held a diversity of roles in major corporations as well as running his own financial planning practice. He has held executive roles including General Manager Life and Investments at Zurich and was most recently the CEO of the Association of Financial Advisers where he was required to navigate a myriad of financial services reforms, including having to appear at the Royal Commission into misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services. In November last year, Phil was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia (NIBA). Phil leads NIBA’s industry representation efforts and promotes the role and professionalism of brokers to governments, regulators, businesses, and the broader community.
In 2017, Fiona won the Turkslegal claims scholarship for her essay on ‘Navigating Cyber Claims in an Evolving Landscape’ where she devised a six- step process to assist claims handlers with building experience in the area of cyber claims. Fiona was also named ANZIIF Young Insurance Professional of the Year in 2018 and Insurance Business Young Gun in 2019.
ANZIIF Damian is the General Manager of Industry Engagement at ANZIIF. Prior to joining ANZIIF, Damian held management positions across claims, underwriting, client services and sales for Allianz across Victoria, Tasmania and managing Australia wide operations. Damian holds a Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation and he spent time in education as a lecturer and tutorial leader for Victoria University and Holmesglen TAFE and recently completed AICD Company Directors course.
As one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialists, Kimberley Jonsson is CEO of CHU Underwriting Agencies. Kimberley joined the insurance industry in South Australia in 2005. She has worked across multiple jurisdictions and held various underwriting sales and management roles. Kimberley has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the strata insurance industry and the strata community. In 2017 Kimberley was named Young Insurance Professional of the Year at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards. In addition, Kimberley is a Fellow and Board Member of ANZIIF, she is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA from AIM Business School.
Vick holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Laws degree. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Jillian has specialised in forensic accounting since 2007, in both Canada and Australia. She has focused on the quantification of economic damages for insurance and litigation purposes, presenting her findings to industry professionals and in market meetings. Her experience deals with the quantification of economic damages for business interruption and product liability & recall losses in both insurance claims and recovery proceedings. She has assisted with catastrophe response following the New Zealand earthquakes, Brisbane floods, Sydney ANZAC Day Hailstorm, and cyclones and ex-tropical cyclones in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Underwriting Agencies Council William worked for direct underwriters in Australia and South-East Asia before spending 15 years in underwriting agencies. His insurance career began at the South British United Group, where he progressed to become a property/industrial underwriter. After a stint in Asia, he joined Mercantile Mutual, initially running its Parramatta region, then heading the national brokers’ branch in Sydney. He has worked at FAI (before the HIH takeover), MB Prestige and Dexta. William was CEO of the Consolidated Underwriting Group and its four agencies in Australia and New Zealand from 2007 to 2011. In May 2011, William became the inaugural General Manager of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC). In this role, he spearheads implementation of UAC’s strategic plan, and is driving a raft of initiatives to increase member services and better position agencies as a vital force in the industry.
Vicki is a Principal with PFS Consulting providing services for clients in regulatory affairs, industry selfregulation, public policy and stakeholder relations.
JILLIAN PANCOTT Senior ForensicManager,AdvisoryServicesDivision Sedgwick
WILLIAM LEGGE General Manager
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Since 2014, Ms. Pancott has been a member of the AILA Young Professionals subcommittee, held the position of NSW Treasurer for AILA in 2018 and since 2020 has served on the AILA National Executive Board as Treasurer. In 2019 she was awarded the Young Insurance Professional of the Year award from ANZIIF at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards.
VICKI MULLEN Principal PFS Consulting
Vicki has over 25 years’ experience in public policy and financial services. She has worked for two large insurers. She has also held senior roles with the Insurance Council of Australia, the Financial Services Council and the Actuaries Institute. Vicki also worked for nearly three years as an Ombudsman with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. In her earlier career, she worked extensively within government, including roles with the NSW Parliament, the NSW Cabinet Office and a senior Minister.
GABRIELE MCDONALD CEO & Managing Director Protecsure Gabriele is CEO & Managing Director Protecsure, an underwriting agency located in Sydney that specialises in Equipment insurance for mobile assets and Liability for small businesses. With over 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Gabriele is a highly accomplished executive leader who holds expert knowledge in intermediary and underwriting agency business procedures and practices. Gabriele demonstrates her ongoing commitment to the industry by her continued involvement in mentoring programs and the ANZIIF Awards judging panel. Gabriele is a Tier 1 Qualified Insurance Broker, Certified Executive Coach and AICD Member.
SLINGO
Tim is extensively involved with the Actuaries Institute, having sat on working groups around the Institute’s response to COVID-19, a Treasury industry consultation request, and the low interest rate (at the time) environment. He has assisted with providing peer review for the actuarial professional examinations, and was part of the taskforce responsible for the Actuaries Institute 15 year strategic plan (released at the end of 2021), and currently sits on the Young Actuaries Advisory Board.
ANZIIF
Hall Advisory Natasha is the founder of Hall Advisory and leads its governance, risk, compliance and strategy consulting Natashapractice. has close to 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, with extensive practical expertise in risk management and regulatory compliance. Natasha is experienced across all sectors in financial services, including insurance, superannuation, banking and finance, financial advice, investments, credit ratings and financial analytics. Natasha is appointed to the Risk Management Faculty Advisory Board of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF).
Rebecca is the General Manager, Learning at ANZIIF and has been an L&D practitioner for more than 26 years. Leading learning functions across a range of industries including publishing, broadcasting and law and more recently 17 years in the insurance industry.
Rebecca has participated on various committees including a four year tenure as Treasurer of the Enterprise Registered Training Organisations Association (ERTOA) and has been an active member of the Financial Services Industry Reference Committee since 2019. Rebecca is a Fellow of the Institute of Learning Professionals and a Member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development.
Tim is a Director at Taylor Fry, and has worked in the general insurance industry since 2012. He has extensive experience providing reserving, M&A, pricing and capital management services to general insurers, and currently holds an Appointed Actuary role. He also specialises in providing actuarial advice to corporate workers’ compensation self-insurers across all Australian jurisdictions.
Natasha holds an MBA (Executive), Master of Applied Finance, Master of Insurance and Risk Management, Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Economics) and certification as a Professional Risk Manager (PRM).
TIM YIP Director Taylor Fry
Natasha is a Fellow and Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) of ANZIIF, a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD), and a Sustaining Member of the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA).
DuringCommission.histime at the Insurance Council Rob dealt with 5 changes in Prime Minister and a variety of natural disasters many of which were of unprecedented severity and impact on the industry and its customers. Rob came to the Insurance Council in 2010 following a successful and diverse career with the insurance industry, banking and health care sectors. After leaving the ICA in 2020 Rob established a management consultancy specialising in insurance and corporate affairs.
2022 Australian Insurance Industry Awards
NATASHA QUIRK Managing Director
ROB WHELAN
Tim’s passion is around giving high quality, pragmatic advice to his clients. And snowboarding.
Rob has guided the General insurance industry through some of the most challenging issues over the past decade. During his tenure as CEO of the Insurance Council Rob represented the interests of the industry through numerous inquires including the Natural Disaster Insurance Review, the Northern Australia Insurance Premiums Taskforce, the Murray Financial Systems Inquiry and the Hayne Royal
REBECCA
General Manager Learning
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 AWARD WINNERS Small Broking Company of the Year CLEAR INSURANCE Medium Broking Company of the Year SCOTT INSURANCEWINTONBROKERS Large Broking Company of the Year MARSH RepresentativeAuthorised Network of the Year INSURANCE ADVISERNET
Underwriting Agency of the Year CHU AGENCIESUNDERWRITING GeneralSmall-MediumInsurance Company of the Year ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF TASMANIA (RACT) Large InsuranceGeneral Company of the Year SUNCORP GROUP General Insurance Claims Team of the Year CGU BROKERSTRATEGICCLAIMS TEAMS Life Insurance Company of the Year AIA AUSTRALIA Insurtech Start-up of the MITTIYearINSURANCE ServicesProfessional Firm of the MINTERELLISONYear Service Provider to the Insurance Industry IVAA Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion HOLLARD COMPANYINSURANCE Excellence Environmental,in Social and Governance Change QBE Young ProfessionalInsurance of the UNDERWRITINGPROFESSIONALBIANCAYearPARUSSOLORISK(PRORISK) Insurance Leader of the SHARANJITYear PADDAM ANZIIF AchievementLifetimeAward JACKI JOHNSON
Clear Insurance has successfully grown its income and GWP as a direct outcome of its shift in business strategy.
The judging panel commended this year’s winner for the clear and concise way it presented data to demonstrate the impact on its overall results.
Judges also praised the company for proactively introducing a fee-for-service remuneration model ahead of the Royal Commission into financial broking. Clear Insurance actively supports the professional development of its people through internal training, government learning initiatives and certification.
With a low-turnover rate and an increase in staff members, there’s no doubt Clear Insurance is a great organisation to work for.
Small Broking Company of the Year
AustbrokersFinalists
CLEAR INSURANCE
Coast to Coast Clear Insurance
The organisation has modelled its business around customer-centric advice, which has translated into customer satisfaction and consistent business growth.
Clear Insurance took out the Small Broking Company of the Year award in a category that was praised by the judges for its great sophistication and notable progression over the last five years.
Medium Broking Company of the Year SCOTT INSURANCEWINTONBROKERS
The organisation received overwhelming praise for its innovation and technology models, which focus on the various ways a customer can communicate with their broker.
Scott Winton achieved impressive growth, notably in GWP and almost perfect client retention rates. Judges also commended the organisation for its clear strategy for developing staff in the future. In addition, the company was applauded for its proactive work raising community awareness about insurance, which contributes to attracting new talent to the industry. For example, Scott Winton’s insurance graduate program has successfully seen four university graduates employed at the business.
AustbrokersFinalists Countrywide Centrewest Insurance Brokers Scott Winton Insurance Brokers
Congratulations to Scott Winton Insurance Brokers for being awarded Medium Broking Company of the Year for the first time.
The judges were impressed by Scott Winton’s active support for the community, particularly in a partnership with EAT UP, an initiative which helps provide lunch to the young Australians who go to school without food each Notably,day.Scott Winton’s social media strategy and delivery of insurance content has significantly improved its engagement and brand reputation, particularly with its customers.
PAGE 14 bidsacquisitionsclaimsinsightschallengescatastropheslearningsbigdecisionsopportunities Welcome to QBE, where insurance isn’t just a one-off commercial transaction, it’s a dependable relationship that guides and protects us through life. It’s why businesses across Australia rely on our experience to cover what matters, before & after and every moment in between. Find out more at qbe.com/au/brokers Insurance issued and underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545). Any advice provided is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. To decide if these products are right for you, please read the Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) and Target Market Determinations (TMD) available online at qbe.com/au/brokers. Before & after
InsuranceHonanGallagherAonFinalists Advisernet
Large Broking Company of the Year MARSH
Marsh has continued its excellent awards run, winning the Large Broking Company of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. In a hotly contested category, Marsh once again prepared a standout submission, scoring high in all the required criteria. In a year that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Marsh’s performance was exemplary. The business achieved high client retention rates and celebrated its strongest ever growth year. Marsh has committed to incorporating ESG considerations across its business and when interacting with clients. Judges applauded Marsh for leveraging its global network to provide colleagues and clients with educational resources to understand ESG. Equally, the company has a clear vision of how it will be addressing ESG over the next three Judgesyears.were in awe of Marsh’s community work through its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This contributed to a major project based in Darwin, where staff invested time working with the community, for example, helping increase school attendance and donating essential items to improve the wellbeing of Indigenous children. Marsh’s display of market leadership is encouraging new attitudes towards insurance as a profession, and judges said it was great to see the curriculum linked to Marsh’s National Graduate Program. Sponsored by Marsh
Insurance Advisernet has taken out the Authorised Representative Network of the Year for the fourth year in a row. In what was a tightly contested category, this year’s winner provided a well-rounded submission with comprehensive data and strong evidence in all the criteria.
RepresentativeAuthorised Network of the ADVISERNETINSURANCEYear
InsuranceFinalists Advisernet McLardy McShane Partners
Insurance Advisernet’s performance in 2021 has been exemplary, achieving high customer service scores. The organisation introduced new smart technologies and innovations, which utilise data to create more efficient processes, automation and metrics for brokers and staff. The technology has saved a significant amount of time with administrative tasks, which has enabled brokers to spend more time delivering their clients with expert advice. The judging panel commended Insurance Advisernet for its proactive approach to supporting its people during the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns. For example, the company launched a new wellness app, which provided a range of initiatives, education and training to ensure employees remained positive during difficult times. Over the year, the organisation saw its reward with a staff turnover of zero.
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UAC congratulates the Underwriting Agency of the Year.
One resource, many connections.
The Underwriting Agencies Council connects diversified specialist underwriting agencies, creating a focal hub at www.uac.org.au as an essential resource for brokers. For more information contact us at admin@uac.org.au.
UAC is THE Resource for brokers and THE Resource for its members, providing a range of services to help agencies build their businesses.
CHU Underwriting Agencies has developed a robust culture which is evident from its high employee engagement scores. Despite uncertainty from the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021 saw CHU achieve its greatest ever performance in a 43-year history. Judges commended CHU for implementing an innovative industry-first product designed to provide cover for ‘built to rent’ properties.
CHUFinalistsUnderwriting Agencies StrataProRiskUnit UnderwritingUnderwritersAgenciesof Australia
AgencyUnderwriting of the Year
CHU AGENCIESUNDERWRITING
The Underwriting Agency of the Year category was described as the fastest growing space in insurance. This is evident from some of the strong new entrants to the category in 2022.
Sponsored by
The organisation provided detailed data, which highlighted specific outcomes and success metrics. CHU continued to support its people in 2021, increasing flexibility and support for employees through the company’s FuCHUre of work initiative. CHU undertook several community projects, which enjoyed contributions from the organisation’s leadership and teams.
Congratulations to CHU Underwriting Agencies, the winner in this category for the second year in a row. The organisation has built on its strong foundations, receiving strongly positive feedback from judges on the calibre of its submission.
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GeneralSmall-MediumInsurance Company of the Year
RoyalAnsvarAdicaFinalistsInsuranceInsuranceAutomobile Club of Tasmania (RACT)
This year’s Small-Medium General Insurance Company of the Year winner, RACT, undertook significant change in 2021, following the divestment of Suncorp’s 50 per cent stake in its business. Judges noted that the company’s submission presented a well-thought-out business strategy with significant awareness and understanding of its 200,000 members. The judging panel shared great admiration for RACT’s ability to use data to convey how it communicates with various member segments. As a result, RACT has improved its processes for claims, underwriting and product classes. It’s no accident that almost 99 per cent of Tasmanians surveyed are strongly aware of the RACT brand. In addition, RACT is a Tasmanian Employer of Choice – the organisation received praise from judges for its 2021 employee initiatives, which focus on flexible working arrangements, mental health, professional development and leadership. Given RACT’s active lobby groups that advocate for safer roads and significant investments in critical market research and driver training programs, the Judges were convinced the organisation has a direct impact on reducing road trauma and keeping the Tasmanian community safe. Overall, the judges were collectively impressed with all three finalists for this year’s Small-Medium General Insurance Company of the Year, stating that ‘they were all doing inspiring things’.
Sponsored by
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF TASMANIA (RACT)
The organisation has also made significant investment in charities and community groups, including Victoria’s State Emergency Service and Queensland’s State Emergency Service. In what is always a competitive category, the Large General Insurance Company of the Year was described as a ‘pleasure to judge’, with the panel stating that it was heart-warming to see how the finalists have actively embedded ESG strategies into their businesses.
Company QBE Australia Pacific Suncorp Group
Judges stated that Suncorp displayed consistency in its service to customers in both underwriting and claims processes.
This year’s judging panel was blown away by Suncorp’s submission and in awe of the progress the organisation has made in all the award criteria. Suncorp’s success can be attributed to its business model of transformation, which includes an improved digital capability and a more empathetic approach to providing personalised customer experiences for the Australian community.
HollardCGUAllianzFinalistsInsuranceInsurance
It’s clear that this year’s Large General Insurance Company of the Year, Suncorp Group, has implemented a business strategy designed to support the Australian community now and into the future.
Its submission really hit home for this year’s judging panel, which particularly noted its proactive work in mitigating risk to homes as a result of floods and other natural disasters.
Sponsored by
Large CompanyInsuranceGeneral of the SUNCORPYear GROUP
Xceedance congratulates the General Insurance Claims Team of the Year By providing strategic operations support, technology, and data services, Xceedance powers insurance transformation for industry-leading organisations worldwide. Our team is committed to adding direct value to the business of insurance. Discover how we can benefit your company by visiting xceedance.com.
General Insurance Claims
The organisation was praised by the judging panel for proactively giving back to the Australian community significantly, through the investment of $1 million in programs that support and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Team of the Year
In particular, the CGU Strategic Broker team was commended for the support it offered a local broker through a vulnerable customer claim, highlighted in a detailed case study within CGU’s submission. The case study also demonstrated CGU’s strong values of empathy, understanding and exceptional service throughout the claims process.
CGU BROKERSTRATEGICCLAIMS TEAMS Sponsored by CGUFinalistsStrategic Broker Claims Teams Southern Cross Travel Insurance Vero
The company received high scores from the judges across all the required criteria.
CGU is the inaugural winner of a newly introduced category — General Insurance Claims Team of the Year. The aim of this award is to shine a light on the great work claims professionals have been doing to support the community during a year affected by a pandemic and multiple natural disasters.
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Sponsored by
In what was a competitive category, judges described this year’s winner, AIA, as ‘revolutionary for the life insurance industry’. Judges stated that AIA’s commitment to driving professional standards is second to none. AIA continues to help make a difference to people’s lives by creating exceptional customer experiences and promoting health through its customer wellbeing program.
All three finalists in this category have driven the new Life Insurance Code of Practice and participated in its Executive Decision Committee. Judges therefore commented that they should each be commended for their efforts to raise professional standards in the sector.
For example, ‘AIA Embrace’ is a health and wellbeing initiative that offers products, programs and partnerships to over 3.8 million Australians. AIA clearly detailed how these initiatives engaged customers and provided data-driven evidence to show how the business is measuring and improving customer satisfaction.
Judges were also impressed by AIA’s support for Australians dealing with chronic pain by partnering with Pain Revolution and donating to The Pain Revolution Ride initiative.
MetLifeTALAIAFinalistsAustraliaAustralia
Life Insurance Company of the Year AIA AUSTRALIA
Sedgwick of
congratulates this year’s award finalists for their commitment to excellence — and for thriving even in the toughest times. As proud sponsors
Contact Sedgwick to learn how our experts, our services and our commitment to innovation can elevate you and your organisation. E.sedgwick.com/auclaims@au.sedgwick.comP.1800.811.285
the 2022 Insurtech Start-Up of the Year category award we look forward to working with many of you in the future. In collaboration with leading insurtechs around the world, Sedgwick is actively working to pursue new and improved ways of elevating the insurance profession through our claims management solutions. We’re here to help you thrive. · Loss adjusting · Home claims services · Forensic advisory services · Third party administration · Building consultancy services · Repair solutions · Workforce and absence management · Workers compensation
Start-upInsurtech of the MITTIYearINSURANCE
Judges also noted that Mitti’s technology and data have brought great value to its customer base and commented that as an insurtech, the business is disrupting the insurance
market by providing solutions using both intermediaries and direct channels.
The organisation has implemented a customer first approach in its insurance program, which provides small businesses with the tools and data to mitigate risks and save unnecessary costs.
This year’s winner, Mitti Insurance, has emerged as a serious player in the insurtech space. Judges commended Mitti for implementing a strong business brand and model focused on ‘safety matters’. For example, the organisation’s submission highlighted its strong connection to safety culture and the process of commercialising it through insurance protection.
Sponsored by
When discussing the Insurtech Start-Up of the Year category, judges expressed how great it is to see what is happening across the market.
MittiCreditAdvisr.MeFinalistsClearInsurance
This year’s winner, MinterEllison, celebrated a strong performance in 2021, providing exceptional service to its clients in financial services and insurance. Judges were impressed with the way MinterEllison presented its data and succinctly answered all the criteria. The business created a new Legal Optimisation Team in 2021, which has supported clients through integrated solutions that cover governance, risk, regulatory requirements and compliance. The judging panel also noted that MinterEllison presented a well-thought-out environment and sustainability strategy, which is proactively reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Judges commended MinterEllison for its commitment to reducing emissions and overall environmental impact through recycling and reducing the use of electricity and paper.
ServicesProfessional Firm of the MINTERELLISONYear
The Professional Services Firm of the Year was a competitive category which saw six finalists in the running for recognition.
WottonMinterEllisonHallFinityDLABarry.NilssonFinalistsPiperAustralia&Wilcox+Kearney
MinterEllison has built a diverse and inclusive culture through participation and support for community initiatives, including donating laptops to Afghan refugees, providing a legal clinic to Australians experiencing homelessness and building a relationship with the Victorian Pride Centre.
Having achieved commendable growth in 2021, this years’ Service Provider to the Insurance Industry is niche jewellery services business IVAA. As a reflection of its 100 per cent client retention rate, IVAA received almost perfect customer satisfaction scores. The company has invested in its user experience (UX), which is focussed on innovations that create a seamless claims process for customers. This has resulted in a reduction in the time spent per claim for insurance staff and greater efficiencies that ensure the accuracy of details for lost or stolen items.
Service Provider to the Insurance Industry IVAA
The judging panel agreed that IVAA has done an incredible job in caring for its people in 2021. The company implemented a new employee engagement program which allowed staff to engage, communicate and participate in virtual events to support wellbeing and ongoing connection. IVAA actively contributed to the community in 2021 by participating in voluntary initiatives for vulnerable customers, such as hearing awareness campaigns and sustainable fishing for the visually impaired.
RecoveriescorpServicesMJMIVAAGallagherDXCConstructBayARCFinalistsProjectsBuildingGroupServicesTechnologyBassettCorporateRisk
MetLifeMarshHonan
Award has highlighted many powerful examples of the ways our industry is championing change. Winning the award for the second consecutive year, Hollard Insurance has done just that. Hollard continues to position diversity and inclusion at the centre of its business framework and judges applauded the organisation for its active work in the space. Hollard focuses on accessibility/disability, cultural diversity, domestic or family violence, gender equality, LGBTI and mental health. Each area includes a working group which strives to improve awareness and positive actions within the business. The judging panel was impressed with Hollard’s ability to articulate how the business has achieved successes in each of its strategy areas through data-driven evidence. Hollard has experienced a year-onyear increase in the representation of women in leadership positions, with the current figure sitting at 40.5 per cent. Hollard’s proactive LGBTI programs and policies have helped the organisation achieve greater wellbeing, physiological safety and a better understanding of customers that identify with the LGBTI community.
HOLLARD COMPANYINSURANCE
Introduced in 2019, the Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion (D&I)
HollardAllianzAIGFinalistsAustraliaInsurance
InclusionDiversityinExcellenceWorkplaceand
Company
Hollard has shown that its focus groups are engaging more people than ever, which serves as a positive contribution to the attraction and retention of talent at the organisation. Judges also noted that Hollard is highly committed to supporting its employees and providing them with ongoing professional development opportunities.
Judges were in awe of QBE’s proactive approach aiming to target 100 per cent renewable electricity sources across its global operations by the end of 2025. They also stated that QBE has done a ‘great job’ in communicating awareness and education of sustainability issues through workshops and online resources. QBE was also praised for setting minimum sustainability expectations for suppliers, partners and clients. The company has engaged with its employees through education and events to help develop an understanding within the business of how to actively play a part in moving ESG forward. This has helped reduce waste and electricity usage.
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QBE Introduced this year, ANZIIF developed this category to celebrate excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). The new award aims to highlight organisations making a significant difference by implementing ESG strategies within their business. Judges commended each finalist for demonstrating outstanding change in ESG policy implementation. They stated, ‘It’s great to see the progression our industry has made in the past 12 months to create positive change, address key ESG issues and contribute to care for our communities and our Congratulationsplanet’. to QBE, who judges described as a ‘standout in this category’.
The judging panel was particularly impressed with QBE’s commitment to climate action through net-zero commitments. QBE clearly presented all the policies embedded into its business to achieve ESG sustainability.
As an advocate for positive change in the industry, ANZIIF is looking forward to seeing how QBE and each of the other finalists progresses in the next 12 months.
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the Australian
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Bianca began her career as a law graduate at DLA Piper in 2013, after completing a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor Degree at Melbourne University. She was admitted as a solicitor in 2014 and worked in private practice until she joined Professional Risk Underwriting (ProRisk) as a senior claims examiner in 2017. ‘When I worked as a lawyer in private practice, I acted for public and private hospitals, allied health practitioners and their insurers,’ she recalls. ‘That was my entry into insurance, but I really had no idea what a large and dynamic industry it is until I made the move to ProRisk.’
Finalists Robert ProfessionalBiancaSedgwickDang,Parussolo,RiskUnderwriting (ProRisk) Monique Reibelt, Honan Insurance Group
The judging panel described Bianca as a ‘clear winner’ with some significant milestones already met in her career.
Jon TeachersShen,Health Fund
Young ProfessionalInsurance of the BIANCAYearPARUSSOLO Professional Risk Underwriting
Congratulations to Bianca Parussolo, the 2021 Young Insurance Professional of the Year.
Parussolo successfully transferred her legal skills to claims management and has already achieved some remarkable feats in her insurance career. In 2020, she was awarded ANZIIF Student of the Year in both the Diploma of General Insurance and Certificate IV in General Insurance. She also won the Victorian Regional Student of the Year award, which she described as a huge honour. This year’s judging panel was in awe of Parussolo’s career journey, her passion and contribution to the insurance industry. It was clear from her submission that the customer is at the forefront of everything Parussolo does and that she is focussed on providing exceptional claims experiences. Judges commended Parussolo for the determination with which she entered the insurance profession and her clearly articulated love for the Parussoloindustry.isalso an advocate for the next generation of insurance talent, proactively taking part in careers initiatives to promote the insurance industry.
Although she doesn’t come from an insurance or finance background, Parussolo recently told ANZIIF that her parents ‘taught her the value of working hard no matter what you choose to do and the importance of finding something that you are passionate about’.
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An actuary with nearly 30 years of experience, Paddam is recognised as a leading expert on climate change within the insurance industry. He is highly committed to raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and energetically drives the climate change conversation with government and in the media, including making a TEDxSydney 2022 presentation on climate change, insurance, and Appointedbanking.Group Head of Environment Social Governance Risk at QBE Insurance Group in 2018, Paddam led the Group ESG Risk team to deliver climate disclosures in line with the full recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures in 2021, as well as leading the development of QBE’s ESG strategy. In 2018, Paddam initiated and led the Climate Measurement Standards Initiative, an ongoing collaboration between Australia’s largest banks, insurers and asset owners with regulators and leading climate scientists to develop guidance on climate risk scenario
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analysis. The initiative published its first set of guidance in 2020 and is currently working on its second set. Paddam believes organisations require leaders who can ‘shine a light’ on the organisation’s purpose and brings people together to enable action. In 2020, he was awarded Risk Manager of the Year by the Climate Alliance and was also presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the Actuaries Institute for his efforts as the organisation’s Climate Change Working Group Convener.
PADDAM Sharanjit Paddam, a Principal at Finity Consulting, is not just a leader for the insurance industry, but for all Australia. It’s fair to say that he truly lives his philosophy of bringing action to purpose.
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The same year, 2020, Paddam provided expert evidence on natural disasters and climate change to the Royal Commission on National Natural Disaster Arrangements and in 2022, advised the Insurance Council of Australia on adaptation and resilience measures for Australia. Paddam was also a contributing author to a practitioner-led report released in 2021 for the IPCC, the United Nations body for assessing climate change. Paddam was one of more than 234 scientists from 65 countries working together within the IPCC’s Working Group 2 to assess the impact of climate change on the financial sector in Australasia. (continued next
This year’s judging panel commended Sharanjit Paddam for his significant contribution to industry and for truly going above and beyond for the benefit of the Australian Community.
Sponsored by For Paddam, insurance isn’t about the numbers, but rather, the lives of people. To that end, he features in the media regularly to advocate for and promote climate change action within insurance and other sectors. For example, in August 2022, Paddam appeared on ABC News24 to address the issue of insurance stress pushed to extremes by the effects of climate change. Most recently, Paddam authored a green paper for the Actuaries Institute on home insurance affordability and the socioeconomic impacts of a changing climate — a topic he is extremely passionate about. Paddam and his Finity Consulting team put heart and soul into this project, which is one of his proudest achievements.
‘This work is important because it highlights the social function of insurance. Insurance is about keeping us together and enabling economic opportunity. It’s the glue that holds a nation or a community together. I’m hoping this paper will shift the climate change conversation to that level, because it’s a conversation we need to have.’
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This year’s ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award winner is Jacki Johnson, whose rich and diverse career is notable for its executive management contribution and commitment to driving change in the insurance industry. Described by the judging panel as an inspiration, Johnson has been integral in securing results through leading purpose- led transformations and driving high- performance cultures that value diversity and inclusion. Throughout her career journey, Johnson’s motivation has always been to care for people. She commenced her career in health sciences, having completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy and post graduate studies in Safety Science. She also holds an Executive MBA from AGSM. Today, her significant accomplishments span the health sector, injury and safety management, mutual banking and general insurance.
ANZIIF AwardAchievementLifetime
JACKI JOHNSON
Johnson spent almost 20 years of her professional career at IAG, where she held several CEO roles, most notably, Chief Executive for IAG’s New Zealand business from 2010 to 2016. In 2015, Johnson was awarded New Zealand Herald Executive of the Year. Judges described her leadership as ‘instrumental in establishing IAG as a leader in climate change’. In 2009, she also established IAG’s first online startup business, The Buzz, which received an Australia Business Award in 2010 for outstanding achievement in innovation. Johnson has held numerous corporate responsibility roles throughout her career, serving as co-chair of both the Australia Sustainable Finance Initiative (ASFI) and the United Nations Environment Financial Initiative. She was also steerco member of Resilient Sydney, President of the Insurance Council of New Zealand and Chair of the Christchurch Recovery Chief Executive Forums. Johnson advised IAG’s climate, sustainability and resilience strategy and is a former non-executive director of the NSW Workcover Authority and Personal Injury Education Foundation. In 2020, Johnson commenced her PhD Candidature at University of Wollongong (UOW). She is currently non-executive director of Community First Credit Union and a member of its corporate governance subcommittee. Asked to nominate an achievement she is most proud of, Johnson noted her involvement with ASFI, which aimed to (continued next page)
As a leader supporting communities during disaster recovery, Johnson was particularly commended for her work with Christchurch Recovery following the devastating Canterbury Earthquakes. She was also one of the first insurance leaders to help establish high-level reconciliation action plans, proactively investing in Indigenous partnerships to better understand, protect and create sustainability for the Australian environment and its Johnsonwildlife.continues to be a mentor for the next generation of talent and is passionate about the growth of the insurance industry. When accepting the award, Johnson gratefully acknowledged her past colleagues, friends and family who have supported her throughout her career.
establish a roadmap for aligning the finance sector with greater social, environmental and economic outcomes for Australia. This work saw Johnson playing a key advocacy role promoting collaboration between the financial services sector and federal government. Johnson has been a passionate advocate for climate change, having recognised the devastating impacts it has on Australian communities. To that end, she contributes to a variety of initiatives that help mitigate the social and economic risks of increasingly frequent events. Notably, Johnson took a lead role in the development of the Resilient and Sustainable Finance Roadmap for Australia and New Zealand, engaging extensively with government and regulatory bodies across the finance sector.
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2022 Australian Insurance Industry Awards The Corporate Supporter network comprises a diverse group of companies, large and small, all sharing the same desire to see the industry and its people succeed. CAREERS INSURANCEIN RESEARCHPROGRAMINDUSTRYSUPPORTAWARENESSBRANDCOMMITMENTPROGRAMSUPPORTERCORPORATE
PAGE 42 The Last Word
WALTER POETSCHER EY OCEANIA INSURANCE LEADER
The last two years have been extraordinary, with insurers having to navigate unprecedented complexities and pressures resulting from the global COVID-19 pandemic, changes in consumer needs and behaviour, a steady pipeline of regulatory change and an increasing focus on sustainability. However, the 2022 ANZIIF Insurance Awards submissions demonstrate that the local insurance industry is well placed to respond and address these challenges head-on.
As a major provider of professional and consulting services to the global insurance industry, our dedicated EY insurance sector team brings together a worldwide group of professionals to help the insurance industry address its most difficult challenges. I would like to thank ANZIIF for the opportunity to participate in this year’s judging process and sincerely congratulate all the award winners and nominees.
On behalf of ANZIIF thank you for supporting our industry and the 18th Australian Insurance Industry Awards THANK YOU
