
2026 Convention Program
Three days of inspiration, learning, and networking.
Meet members of the NIBA leadership team and other first-time delegates and start building connections ahead of the NIBA-CGU Welcome Function.
NIBA’s Ready or Reacting? research identified a profession at a pivotal moment, with technology, regulation, emerging risks and changing client expectations reshaping the future of insurance broking. The report highlighted a growing gap between the scale of disruption expected across the industry and current levels of preparedness, reinforcing the need for brokers and businesses to think more strategically about the decade ahead.
This opening plenary will explore the key forces shaping the next decade, including technology and AI, generational shifts, evolving trust, changing client expectations and geopolitical change. Taking a broad, forward-looking perspective, the session will set the context for the Convention and examine what these shifts mean for the future of the profession and how organisations can respond.
Jordana Borensztajn
Master of Ceremonies
Her effervescent enthusiasm and uplifting presence inspires crowds to feel excited, confident and passionate about exploring and expressing their own joy, creativity and true potential.
Jordana’s experience includes being a News Corp Australia journalist, working as online music editor, content producer and social media manager at Nova Entertainment, writing two business marketing books and an illustrated children’s book, and performing two sold-out shows in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Jordana is also a talented performer, offering corporate comedy, magic and mentalism.
Nick Cook
NIBA President
Steadfast Group
Nick joined Steadfast 10 years ago, and in his role as the Executive General Manager for Australasian Networks, Broker & Insurer Services at Steadfast, he oversees the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives for the Steadfast broker networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
With a career spanning over three decades in the insurance and financial services industry, Nick brings a wealth of experience in managing complex networks, enhancing carrier relationships, and delivering exceptional service to brokers.
Nick is also President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA), representing brokers' interests at the highest level of industry & government.
Nick was previously at Zurich where he was responsible for the performance of Zurich products & propositions in the marketplace.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys an occasional round of golf, which helps him maintain a balanced and well-rounded perspective both professionally and personally.
Richard Klipin
CEO
NIBA
Richard Klipin is an experienced CEO and financial services leader, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA). He has led strategic transformation and growth across peak industry bodies, banks, and insurance organisations in both Australia and New Zealand.
Richard brings a strong track record in community building, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. He is a trusted spokesperson for the industry, regularly engaging with government, media, and regulators on key sector issues. His leadership is underpinned by a commitment to professionalism, purpose-driven strategy, and collaboration.
He holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, along with qualifications in arts and education.
Dr. Ben Hamer
Sociologist and Futurist
Dr Ben Hamer is a renowned sociologist and accredited futurist, who was recently awarded the number one thought leader for the Future of Work in the Asia-Pacific by Onalytica.
Ben has undertaken work and research around the world, including time spent leading critical projects at the World Economic Forum as well as being a Visiting Scholar at Yale University. He is an Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law and a Non-Executive Director for the Australian HR
Institute, where he was appointed as the youngest Non-Executive Director in the organisation’s history, as well as being on the Board of Netball NSW, which includes oversight of both the NSW Swifts and Giants professional netball teams.
A sought after media commentator and keynote speaker on future trends, Ben is the host of the ThinkerTank podcast, which is all about the trends shaping the way we
will live, work and play in the future.
Dr. Ben Hamer
Sociologist and Futurist
Dr Ben Hamer is a renowned sociologist and accredited futurist, who was recently awarded the number one thought leader for the Future of Work in the Asia-Pacific by Onalytica.
Ben has undertaken work and research around the world, including time spent leading critical projects at the World Economic Forum as well as being a Visiting Scholar at Yale University. He is an Adjunct Professor at Edith Cowan University’s School of Business and Law and a Non-Executive Director for the Australian HR
Institute, where he was appointed as the youngest Non-Executive Director in the organisation’s history, as well as being on the Board of Netball NSW, which includes oversight of both the NSW Swifts and Giants professional netball teams.
A sought after media commentator and keynote speaker on future trends, Ben is the host of the ThinkerTank podcast, which is all about the trends shaping the way we
will live, work and play in the future.
Justin Delaney
CEO
Zurich Australia and New Zealand
Justin was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Australia and New Zealand in July 2021, following his role as CEO, Life and Investments at Zurich Australia.
With more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, Justin joined Zurich from TAL, where he was Chief Operating Officer, with commercial and operational accountability for its core business lines.
Prior to this, Justin held senior roles at Macquarie Group, where he played a key role in building the Macquarie Life Insurance business and its go-to-market strategy.
Justin leads Zurich at a time of significant growth, following major acquisitions that have positioned the business as a leading player in the Australian retail life insurance market.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, along with Graduate Diplomas in Management and Financial Planning, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Lynette Walsh
Convention Chair
NIBA
Lynette has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance broking industry. Her broking experience is diverse across multiple industries spanning both Ireland and Australia. Lynette is QLD State Director at Aon.
A strategic and creative thinker, who is highly analytical, technical and data proficient, Lynette is a key member of the Aon leadership team to ensure delivery upon client, colleague and commercial expectations.
Lynette is a NIBA Board Director (National Insurance Brokers Association) and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters in Strategy.
Kirsten Mills
Head of Affinity, Pacific
Marsh McLennan
Kirsten Mills leads the strategy and operations for Marsh Pacific’s Affinity business. Affinity comprises of bespoke industry solutions for large professional organisations, each with unique risk and insurance requirements. She is also a member of the Marsh Pacific Executive Committee and a leader on the Women at Marsh CRG.
Kirsten is an accomplished executive with a wealth of experience with 24 years in the insurance and sports industry. Commencing her career in Sports Management and moving into sports insurance, her strong leadership skills, and experience in insurance and client management roles, have seen her work across all sectors of the insurance sphere from Underwriting in the London market to leading the largest dedicated Sports team in Australia working with brands such as Cricket Australia, the Australian Football League and major events. This journey has enabled her to inspire her teams and deliver exceptional results. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, empowering her colleagues to reach their full potential and contribute to Marsh’s success.
Throughout her career, Kirsten has amassed a wealth of experience in various leadership roles within the insurance industry. Kirsten joined Marsh in 2019 as part of the Jardine Lloyd Thomson (JLT) acquisition, where she assumed the role of National Sport Manager and Head of Affinity for Australia, before moving into her current Pacific-focused role in 2023. Prior to joining Marsh, she was with JLT since 2002, working in account management and business development until she became General Manager of the Sport and Entertainment division in 2018.
Kirsten lives and works in Melbourne, Wurundjeri land.
NIBA’s Ready or Reacting? research identified regulatory demands as one of the most significant forces expected to impact the profession over the next decade, with brokers anticipating increasing complexity across governance, compliance and client expectations. The findings reinforced the challenge facing the profession in balancing rising obligations with commercial realities, while continuing to maintain trust, professionalism and strong client outcomes.
This session will explore the evolving regulatory and operating environment facing brokers, including changing expectations around professionalism, governance, transparency and conduct. Taking a broader industry perspective, the discussion will examine how brokers and businesses can navigate increasing complexity in a way that remains practical, proportionate and sustainable for the future of the profession.
Hon Dr Daniel Mulino MP
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services
Daniel Mulino is the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services.
He has been the Member for Fraser since 2019. Born in Italy, Daniel is passionate about Fraser’s harmonious multicultural community and is honoured to represent this wonderful part of Melbourne’s west in the Australian Parliament.
Between 2022 and 2025, Daniel chaired the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics.
Daniel is an economist by training, with a PhD from Yale University and he has lectured at Monash University.
Before entering the Australian Parliament, Daniel served the Victorian community as a member of the Victorian Parliament. He was Parliamentary Secretary to the Victorian Treasurer between 2014 and the 2018.
Daniel is the author of Safety Net: The Future of Welfare in Australia, published in 2022.
Richard Klipin
CEO
NIBA
Richard Klipin is an experienced CEO and financial services leader, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA). He has led strategic transformation and growth across peak industry bodies, banks, and insurance organisations in both Australia and New Zealand.
Richard brings a strong track record in community building, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. He is a trusted spokesperson for the industry, regularly engaging with government, media, and regulators on key sector issues. His leadership is underpinned by a commitment to professionalism, purpose-driven strategy, and collaboration.
He holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, along with qualifications in arts and education.
Andrew Hall
CEO and Executive Director
Insurance Council of Australia
Andrew joined the Insurance Council of Australia in September 2020 as CEO and Executive Director following a career spanning the media, political, retail and banking sectors.
He was previously Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs for the Commonwealth Bank, where he was responsible for the management of CBA’s public affairs and sustainability.
He was previously Director of Corporate and Public Affairs for Woolworths Limited for six years, overseeing a similar portfolio and participating as a member of the Management Board.
Andrew’s professional career started as a journalist in regional New South Wales in 1994, before moving to Canberra in 1996 where he worked in federal politics for 10 years in ministerial advisory roles and as Federal Director of the Nationals for six years.
He has extensive experience in governance, both in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. He currently serves on the board of Rural Aid, Australia’s largest rural charity. He has previously served as a founding Board member of Pancreatic Cancer Australia, the only foundation dedicated to pancreatic research, and on Equality Australia, which was the organisation created to lead the successful marriage equality campaign in 2017.
In 2024 he was awarded the Insurance Leader of the Year by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.
Emma Curtis
Lead Ombudsman Insurance
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Emma Curtis is the Lead Ombudsman – Insurance at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). In this role, she is responsible for leading AFCA’s insurance decision-making function and supporting fair, independent and effective outcomes for consumers and small businesses.
Emma leads a team of around 50 insurance decision makers across general insurance, life insurance and insurance broking. Her work focuses on the resolution of complex insurance disputes, identification of systemic issues, and engagement with insurers, consumers, regulators and other stakeholders on emerging risks and industry practices. She plays a key role in maintaining confidence in AFCA’s independence, impartiality and decision-making quality.
Emma’s career spans more than 25 years across financial services law and governance, complaint resolution and regulatory practice, including over a decade as a senior regulator. Prior to joining AFCA, Emma was a Senior Executive Leader at ASIC, where she led the insurance supervision team. In that role, she guided ASIC’s work through the Financial Services Royal Commission, the 2019 bushfires and the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Before her regulatory roles, Emma held senior in-house legal positions within Australian financial services firms, giving her a strong understanding of industry operations and commercial drivers alongside consumer and regulatory considerations.
Emma is passionate about clear and practical decision-making, respectful and grounded engagement with stakeholders, and ensuring complaint resolution is fair, consistent and accessible. She values professionalism, independence and evidence‑based reasoning, and is committed to supporting strong, inclusive teams that reflect the communities AFCA serves.
Tetiana George
CEO and Co-Founder
Curium
One of the strongest long-term themes emerging from NIBA’s Ready or Reacting? research was the growing importance of talent, education, workforce change and professional development in shaping the future of broking. The findings highlighted increasing pressure on businesses to attract and retain people, evolve career pathways and create environments where future talent can thrive.
This session will explore what is required to strengthen and sustain the profession over the next decade, including attracting talent, developing future leaders, fostering strong workplace cultures and maintaining resilience in a consolidating market. The discussion will also consider the role of education, capability development and professional standards in preparing the next generation of brokers and building adaptable, high-performing businesses for the future.
Katrina Shanks
CEO
ANZIIF
Katrina is a Chartered Accountant with a career spanning audit, Newton Fund Management (London) and Westpac Trust. She also ran a small accounting practice for seven years and was Financial Controller for the New Zealand National Party.
Across two terms as a Member of Parliament, she chaired Select Committees and served on the Commerce Select Committee during major reforms to New Zealand’s financial services legislation.
She has led membership organisations through regulatory change, raised public awareness, and established a learning academy.
Katrina was the inaugural CEO of Financial Advice NZ for five years following the merger of three industry bodies. She positioned it as the sector’s voice, helped shape major legislative and regulatory change, strengthened professional development, and built a research program demonstrating the value of advice.
As CEO of ANZIIF, Katrina is positioning the institute as the premier education provider for insurance professionals by lifting industry standards through delivery of high-quality, education and professional development to ensure insurance professionals have the competency, knowledge and skills to obtain best outcomes for their clients.
Jana Pittman
World Champion, Doctor, Women's Health Advocate
NIBA’s Ready or Reacting? research reinforced that brokers are increasingly expected to move beyond transactional placement and play a more strategic advisory role for clients. At the same time, the global risk environment continues to become more complex and interconnected, with emerging risks, geopolitical instability, climate volatility and cyber threats reshaping how businesses assess and manage uncertainty.
This session will explore how these shifts are changing client expectations and redefining the role of the broker. Taking a broad and strategic perspective, the discussion will examine how brokers can lead more proactive risk conversations, help clients navigate uncertainty and reinforce their value as trusted advisers in an increasingly dynamic risk environment.
Jordana Borensztajn
Master of Ceremonies
Her effervescent enthusiasm and uplifting presence inspires crowds to feel excited, confident and passionate about exploring and expressing their own joy, creativity and true potential.
Jordana’s experience includes being a News Corp Australia journalist, working as online music editor, content producer and social media manager at Nova Entertainment, writing two business marketing books and an illustrated children’s book, and performing two sold-out shows in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Jordana is also a talented performer, offering corporate comedy, magic and mentalism.
Hon Kevin Hogan MP
Federal Member for Page and Deputy Leader of the Nationals
Kevin Hogan is the Federal Member for Page and Deputy Leader of The Nationals.
Kevin was born and bred in regional Australia. After completing an Economics degree he forged a successful career in finance in Sydney, trading a multi-billion dollar portfolio, before moving with his wife Karen, who he describes as his best ally and greatest supporter, back to the Northern Rivers and Karen’s hometown of Lismore.
Kevin became the Investment Officer of an Industry Super Fund, operated a small business and ran his own farm. Kevin also took up teaching at St Mary’s High School in Casino, teaching Business Studies and serving, for a time, as Deputy Principal.
Kevin says his time in finance taught him the importance of good economic management. And running his own business showed him how small business is the engine room of Australia. Kevin was elected the Member for Page in 2013 and has been re-elected at every election since.
Richard Klipin
CEO
NIBA
Richard Klipin is an experienced CEO and financial services leader, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA). He has led strategic transformation and growth across peak industry bodies, banks, and insurance organisations in both Australia and New Zealand.
Richard brings a strong track record in community building, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. He is a trusted spokesperson for the industry, regularly engaging with government, media, and regulators on key sector issues. His leadership is underpinned by a commitment to professionalism, purpose-driven strategy, and collaboration.
He holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, along with qualifications in arts and education.
Emma Loynes
CEO, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Lloyd's
Emma Loynes is Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Lloyd’s, the specialist insurance and reinsurance marketplace. Emma is also Chief Executive Officer and Director of Lloyd’s in Singapore, as well as a director of Lloyd’s companies in Dubai, China and Japan.
Based in Singapore, Emma is responsible for leading Lloyd’s people, operations, strategy and culture across the region as well as driving growth through the commercial strategy. Emma’s remit also includes building strong and effective relationships with governments, regulatory authorities, and industry bodies. Through this engagement, she works to enhance access and trading rights for Lloyd’s as well as elevate the organisation’s visibility and impact across the region’s dynamic insurance landscape.
With more than 30 years of experience spanning Claims, Portfolio Management, Risk and Regulatory, Operations, and Transformation, Emma brings deep industry expertise. Before joining Lloyd’s, she held several senior leadership roles at RSA Insurance, including Commercial Operations Director and Head of Commercial Schemes.
Emma is a passionate champion of talent development. She is actively involved in coaching and mentoring through various professional organisations, including Advance, Lloyd’s flagship programme for future female leaders.
She also contributes to the wider industry through her roles as an Executive Committee Member of the Singapore Reinsurers Association, a Board Member of the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, and Co-Chair of the British Chamber’s Women in Business Committee.
Graeme Trudgill
Chief Executive Officer
BIBA
Graeme was previously an insurance broker and joined BIBA in 2001. He was appointed BIBA CEO in July 2023 after having been the association’s Executive Director for ten years with a seat on the main board. He had responsibility for the policy team that incorporated corporate affairs, technical services and communications. He created BIBA’s public affairs department and the annual BIBA Manifesto and has provided written and oral evidence to the Houses of Commons and Lords.
Graeme’s knowledge of insurance and the sector is wide-ranging, and he appears regularly as a source of expertise in the media where he promotes the benefits of using an insurance broker. He sits on the main board of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office and the World Federation of Insurance Brokers World Council and its CSE (Chief Executive) Committee.
He has also been part of Government groups at HM Treasury, the Department for Transport, the Department for Environment, Flood & Rural Affairs, the Cabinet Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Dept for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (now named Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government).
Graeme is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Chartered Insurance Practitioner.
Gary Okely
Head of Public Sector, Pacific
JLT Public Sector
Gary is a prominent figure in the Australian insurance and risk advisory sectors with vast experience in alternative risk financing, insurance broking and risk management for Public Sector entities.
Affiliations: JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd, Marsh Pty Ltd, National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA), Local Government Mutual Risk Schemes/Boards, Institute of Company Directors
Key strengths: Extensive global experience (Australia, Asia, London), strategic risk advisory leadership, broking professionalism, re/insurance market, government advocacy.
As Head of JLT Public Sector, Pacific, Gary leads a national team supporting more than 500 local councils and government organisations across Australia with risk advisory, risk financing solutions and claims management.
Gary was also the President of NIBA from 2023 – 2025, during which time he championed three strategic pillars: representation, professionalism and community - emphasising enhanced government advocacy, public/private partnerships and alternate funding models to challenge the insurance affordability and availability emergency.
Gary is a regular conference panel speaker for NIBA, Aust Local Govt Association, Governance Institute’s Public Sector Forum, state local government associations, affiliated public sector entities - focusing on public trust, financial sustainability and resilience in governance.
In an increasingly competitive and price-driven market, brokers are being challenged to clearly demonstrate their value to clients. This session will explore how brokers build trust and confidence through stronger communication, more proactive risk conversations and practical guidance that helps clients make better coverage decisions and strengthen their insurance programs.
As risks become more complex and interconnected, brokers play a critical role in helping clients understand and respond to emerging exposures. Through practical case studies, this session will explore how brokers communicate complex risks, including supply chain, geopolitical and climate-related challenges, and what can happen when those conversations are not handled effectively.
In a market where relationships and experience matter more than ever, service can become a powerful competitive advantage. This session will explore how brokers and leaders build consistent, high-performing service models that strengthen trust, drive loyalty and create meaningful client experiences.
Through two candid podcast-style interviews, this session explores the real stories behind building trusted brands and successful businesses in broking. Speakers will share the lessons, decisions and approaches that helped them stand out in a competitive market and build long-term client relationships.
As the profession evolves, brokers are increasingly being challenged to move beyond transactional placement and adopt a more strategic, advisory-led approach. This session will explore how brokers can evolve their model through structured risk profiling, specialist expertise and deeper client understanding to deliver long-term value beyond the renewal cycle.
High-performing teams are at the core of successful broking businesses. This session will explore how leaders build cultures of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement, while balancing performance expectations with wellbeing and team development.
Nick Cook
NIBA President
Steadfast Group
Nick joined Steadfast 10 years ago, and in his role as the Executive General Manager for Australasian Networks, Broker & Insurer Services at Steadfast, he oversees the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives for the Steadfast broker networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
With a career spanning over three decades in the insurance and financial services industry, Nick brings a wealth of experience in managing complex networks, enhancing carrier relationships, and delivering exceptional service to brokers.
Nick is also President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA), representing brokers' interests at the highest level of industry & government.
Nick was previously at Zurich where he was responsible for the performance of Zurich products & propositions in the marketplace.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys an occasional round of golf, which helps him maintain a balanced and well-rounded perspective both professionally and personally.
Richard Klipin
CEO
NIBA
Richard Klipin is an experienced CEO and financial services leader, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA). He has led strategic transformation and growth across peak industry bodies, banks, and insurance organisations in both Australia and New Zealand.
Richard brings a strong track record in community building, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. He is a trusted spokesperson for the industry, regularly engaging with government, media, and regulators on key sector issues. His leadership is underpinned by a commitment to professionalism, purpose-driven strategy, and collaboration.
He holds an MBA from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management, along with qualifications in arts and education.
Rebecca Wilson
NIBA Vice President
Austbrokers ABS
With a career spanning over 20 years in the insurance profession, Rebecca gained extensive experience managing insurance programs for large commercial clients transforming the business to achieve year-on-year growth.
Rebecca focuses on cultivating a thriving workplace environment that encourages people to excel, collaborate and feel supported. As the 2010 recipient of the WTMA Insurance Young Professional of the Year Nationally and NSW, Rebecca’s gone from strength to strength as she was appointed NIBA board’s NSW Director and NSW divisional committee’s Vice Chair.
Rebecca has spent over 10 years volunteering for the The Reach Foundation and is currently a member of the NSW subcommittee to the board alongside having raised over $400k for multiple charities.
Nick Cook
NIBA President
Steadfast Group
Nick joined Steadfast 10 years ago, and in his role as the Executive General Manager for Australasian Networks, Broker & Insurer Services at Steadfast, he oversees the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives for the Steadfast broker networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
With a career spanning over three decades in the insurance and financial services industry, Nick brings a wealth of experience in managing complex networks, enhancing carrier relationships, and delivering exceptional service to brokers.
Nick is also President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA), representing brokers' interests at the highest level of industry & government.
Nick was previously at Zurich where he was responsible for the performance of Zurich products & propositions in the marketplace.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys an occasional round of golf, which helps him maintain a balanced and well-rounded perspective both professionally and personally.
Lynette Walsh
Convention Chair
NIBA
Lynette has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance broking industry. Her broking experience is diverse across multiple industries spanning both Ireland and Australia. Lynette is QLD State Director at Aon.
A strategic and creative thinker, who is highly analytical, technical and data proficient, Lynette is a key member of the Aon leadership team to ensure delivery upon client, colleague and commercial expectations.
Lynette is a NIBA Board Director (National Insurance Brokers Association) and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Masters in Strategy.
CPD Points
NIBA is pleased to confirm that 10 CPD points will be available for full attendance and 5 points for day attendance at the NIBA Convention. Delegates will need to scan into sessions to be eligible for CPD points.
