NIBA Awards

SPOTLIGHT ON THE 2021 LEX MCKEOWN TROPHY WINNER: TIM WEDLOCK

Wedlock’s career spans more than three decades in the insurance broking profession, including stints as the NSW Divisional Representative on the NIBA Board, as well as the Association’s President.

BY TANAYA DAS PHOTO BY VINCENT BOYER

The Lex McKeown trophy recognises a NIBA member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Association. This year’s Lex McKeown Trophy for lifetime achievement was awarded to Tim Wedlock from AEI Insurance Broking Group. Edward Alexander McKeown (known as Lex) formed IBA in 1971, by convincing four other brokers that the insurance industry needed regulation, and within a couple of years IBA had 300 members throughout Australia. After NIBA was formed in 1982, McKeown joined the new Association in 1986 and had the Lex McKeown Trophy in perpetuity named after him.

Wedlock is a long-standing NIBA member who has provided excellent service to the Association and has made a significant contribution to the broking profession. His journey into insurance started back in 1986, when his uncle (the previous founder and now Chairman of AEI Group) suggested he apply for a job in insurance. Wedlock is now the Managing Director of the AEI Group incorporating the AEI companies, comprising seven branches across four states (NSW, ACT, Queensland and Victoria) with 100 employees. He is now a proud QPIB and Fellow of NIBA and ANZIIF.

Insurance Adviser: What is it about insurance broking that excites you each day?

Tim Wedlock: Without a doubt, the passion to look after clients and our staff. I enjoy the client interaction part of broking, as well as the underwriter interaction. I thrive on the importance of not letting anyone down, and making sure the job is done before I can relax. I also enjoy all that I have learnt so far in my journey, and passing on as much as I can. To see our team of people happy and learning, and proud of what they are also achieving, is very rewarding.

IA: What do you think makes insurance an interesting career choice?

TW: I believe insurance is the unsung hero of keeping families, businesses and communities going. It’s diverse, you can train and be educated as you learn – it’s rewarding, it pays well and it’s a global profession. When I explain this to careers advisers, they look stunned and want to know more.

IA: You have had a long association with NIBA. What got you started, and what motivates you to devote so much time to your industry association?

TW: It all started back in 2004, when I was awarded the NSW Broker of the Year award. Apart from helping support young professionals, I have been involved on NIBA Committees and the National Board since 2011, and have enjoyed supporting our Association in its journey – raising professional standards and being part of the one voice that represents insurance brokers across Australia.

IA: What have been the highlights of your career so far?

TW: Growing confidence in what I do – knowledge and learning gives confidence, as do great mentors. I have had wonderful mentors in various aspects of my career and am truly grateful. To see AEI continue to grow makes me very proud, as does receiving the Lex McKeown Trophy, given my devotion to and passion for NIBA.

IA: What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in your career?

TW: Never lie or make it up. If you don’t know the answer to something, don’t be embarrassed. Use it as an opportunity to learn and find it out.

IA: What are the qualities of a good leader/manager?

TW: Honesty, empathy, communication skills, and having fun with your team.

IA: What charitable causes are important to you?

TW: Like a lot of people, there are several charities I have aligned myself with: helping our returned service men and women who suffer from PTSD, the White Knight Foundation that helps families who have suffered unprovoked youth violence, You can Sit with Me that helps kids who are bullied, Rural Aid and a variety of sporting Associations.

IA: Where do you see the insurance broking profession 5-10 years from now?

TW: In the future, I see the insurance broking profession continuing to be a people business, making sure we keep our families, communities, and businesses safe. We will keep raising the bar when it comes to professionalism, weeding out the rogues who do not uphold our values so we can be recognised as a profession of choice. NOMINATE NOW TO CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING BROKING PROFESSIONALS If you are part of the insurance industry in any capacity and know a senior or young broker who is doing a wonderful job looking after the needs of their clients, you are invited to nominate them for the NIBA awards. It takes just five minutes and could super-charge a deserving professional’s career. niba.com.au/html/awards.cfm