NIBA and CGU showcase the standout talent in the running for the Broker of the Year Award

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) is excited to announce the sixteen state finalists who are vying for the 2024 Broker of the Year Award. For the first time, the award – which celebrates the exceptional contributions of senior brokers upholding the highest levels of professionalism, expertise and integrity – will be proudly partnered by CGU.

Established in honour of insurance broking leader and past NIBA President, the late Stephen Ball, the Broker of the Year Award showcases the immense depth of talent that's present in our insurance broking profession by shining the spotlight on those senior broking leaders who are committed to elevating the standards of our profession and underscore the significant role that brokers play in making a real difference in the lives of everyday Australians.

The Broker of the Year Award evaluates nominees across three important pillars – the extent to which they're an inspirational representative of the broking profession, their ability to demonstrate professionalism in their practice, and showcasing the benefits of their contribution to the broader community. The state winners shall be revealed at the NIBA Gala Lunches this month, who will go on to compete for the national Broker of the Year Award, to be announced at the 2024 NIBA Convention in Adelaide later this year.

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said, "The role of an insurance broker in serving their clients and their broader community has never been more important. We are proud to showcase the finalists for the Broker of the Year Award who have demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism through their practice."

As proud sponsor of NIBA's Broker of the Year Award, CGU is providing a unique development opportunity for the five state winners to attend the CGU and JAWUN Ngarrindjeri Country Immersive Experience and Capability Building Workshop in the lower Murray Darling region of South Australia in September. The national winner announced at the NIBA Convention in October will be presented with an incredible opportunity to attend a NYU Stern Business School short executive course including flights, seven nights' accommodation, and a quintessential New York experience in the autumn of 2025.

Damien Gallagher, Executive General Manager CGU said, "CGU believes in celebrating broker ambition. As new partners of the Broker of the Year Award, we are thrilled to announce the names of the sixteen finalists who are leading the way in the industry and supporting Australians through their ambition, integrity, and expertise."

State Finalists:

• Sean Morrish, General Manager and Risk Advisor at Intercharge Insurance Brokers
• Sharon Ling, Client Director - Corporate at Lockton Companies Australia
• Matthew Bates, Managing Director at Bell Partners Insurance

• Jen Bettridge, Clear Leader and Director at Clear Insurance
• Kieran Volpe, Account Executive and Area Manager at North Queensland Insurance Brokers
• Scott Stewart, Managing Director at Insurance Mentor
  

VIC/TAS

• Abbie Wilson, Owner and Director, National Insurance Brokers
• Alexandra Ferguson, Account Director and State Manager at Avatar Brokers
• Joshua Boyd, Regional Manager - ACT at Aon
  

• Gavin McDiarmid, Account Director at Westminster Coverforce
• Murray Johnson, Owner and Director at Johnson Insurance Brokers
• Chelsey Harris, Regional Director at EBM Insurance & Risk
  
  

• Phil Spagnuolo, Client Relationship Manager at Guardian Insurance Brokers
• Neil Daniel, Specialised Placement Manager at Holdfast Insurance Brokers
• Will Laundy, Director, at Pillar Brokerage
• Daniela Zaccone, Principal at Marsh Specialty