Vale Tim Wedlock, Giant of the Profession
Media Release
NIBA and the broking community are reeling this morning after the shocking news from the United States of Tim Wedlock's sudden passing.
Mr Wedlock had a distinguished career of nearly four decades of service and commitment. He made an invaluable contribution to the NIBA community. He served as NIBA President from 2017 to 2019, sat on the NIBA Board for 14 years, and contributed to various committees across his time with the Association. He was also the founding member of the Insure Your Future initiative, championing the next generation of brokers entering the profession.
His contribution to the broader profession is immense and immeasurable. He was named NSW Qualified Professional Insurance Broker of the Year in 2004 and again in 2009, and received the ANZIIF Insurance Leader of the Year award in 2018. In 2021, he was presented with the Lex McKeown Award for exceptional service to NIBA and the insurance broking profession.
NIBA President Nick Cook, who began his career alongside Tim at Guardian Royal Exchange (GRE) around 40 years ago, said the loss was deeply personal.
"Tim and I started out together at GRE nearly 40 years ago, and our careers have been intertwined ever since," Mr Cook said.
"Tim had a way of lifting the people around him — generous with his time, sharp in his judgement, and always in your corner. The broking community has lost one of its giants, and I've lost a dear friend.
"On behalf of NIBA and everyone whose life Tim touched, our thoughts are with his wife Prue, his son Matt, and his daughter Ash."
Beyond his service to NIBA, Mr Wedlock was Executive Chairman of AEI Insurance Broking Group, where he spent 39 years, marking his anniversary with the business the week before his passing.
In a joint statement, Mike Emmett, CEO and Managing Director of AUB Group, and Ben Bessell, Chief Broking Officer of AUB Group, said Tim's loss would be felt across the profession.
"Tim was one of a kind. His passion for the things he loved, his commitment to business, and his contagious enthusiasm for life were always on display. He was equally happy to call to provide guidance, or just to check in to see how things were going. The general insurance broking profession is in a better place as a result of his dedication to education and professionalism. He will be missed deeply by the industry, but particularly by AEI and the broader Austbrokers family."
NIBA Vice-President Rebecca Wilson said Tim's warmth was matched by his generosity.
"Tim was a great mate and a wonderful mentor to so many of us," Ms Wilson said.
"He gave his time freely, backed people when it mattered, and carried a genuine care for this profession and everyone in it. That spirit is how he'll be remembered."
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said the loss would be felt deeply across the Association and the wider community.
"NIBA is a strong and tight-knit community, built on people who are exceptionally giving of themselves," Mr Klipin said.
"When loss arrives, and especially a shock like this, it is felt by every one of us. Tim gave so much to this profession over so many years that his absence will be felt for a long time to come, and his legacy will continue to shape the broking community for years ahead."