NIBA Welcomes New Board Director, Farewells Gary Okely

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney last week.

Kirsten Mills from Marsh replaces Gary Okely as a Board Director, whose tenure on the NIBA Board has come to an end.

Kirsten brings extensive experience from insurance as well as sports management industries to the NIBA Board, having worked across many sectors including underwriting and leading the largest dedicated sports insurance broking team in Australia. She has broad leadership experience within various insurance industry roles, and has worked both locally in Australia and overseas in London.

Gary reflected on his tenure as NIBA Board Director, stating, “Itʼs been an honour and a privilege to have served on the NIBA Board for over a decade. Looking back, I am extremely proud of the culture that continues to flourish at NIBA, bringing the entire profession together. This culture is a testament to the shared pride and the high level of passion that brokers have in serving clients.”

Gary also expressed his best wishes to Kirsten for joining the NIBA Board.

“I'm sure Kirsten will be a fantastic addition to the NIBA Board and contribute to the profession as it continues to evolve over this decade. She joins the Board at an exciting time, and I wish her the very best in the role, knowing that her contribution to the future of NIBA will be highly valued,” added Gary.

NIBA President Nick Cook thanked departing Board Director Gary Okely for his long service and leadership and welcomed incoming Board Director Kirsten Mills to the Board.

“Gary has given an extraordinary amount to NIBA and to the profession over more than a decade on the Board. His steady leadership, deep commitment to members, and clear focus on raising professional standards have strengthened NIBA and the value we deliver. On behalf of the Board, I sincerely thank Gary for his service, and Iʼm pleased to welcome Kirsten to the Board. Her extensive experience will be a real asset as we continue to support brokers and advocate for the profession to be future-ready.”

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin also acknowledged Garyʼs contribution and welcomed Kisten.

“Garyʼs contribution to NIBA and the wider profession has been invaluable. On behalf of NIBA and our members, I am grateful for the time, counsel, and energy he has invested in giving back to the profession. I am deeply thankful to Gary for the significant impact he has made and wish him all the very best,” Richard said.

“I also welcome Kirsten to the Board and look forward to working closely with her as we advance NIBAʼs priorities and continue advocating for the profession,” Richard concluded.

The full list of NIBA Board Directors is below:

• James Baum – Representing WTW
• Ben Bessell – Representing AUB Group
• Nick Cook – Representing Steadfast Group
• Steven Hill – Representing Queensland
• Kirsten Mills – Representing Marsh
• Greg Mullins – Representing Envest Group
• Dianne Phelan – Representing South Australia/Northern Territory
• Brett Piggott – Representing Western Australia
• Stella Pruscino – Representing Victoria/Tasmania
• Mark Saunderson – Representing Gallagher
• Lynette Walsh – Representing Aon
• Rebecca Wilson – Representing New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory