Fast-growing Envest Group has praised four long-serving leaders who have retired or left the business.

Envest, whose parent company Ardonagh acquired PSC last year, says it “extends its deepest gratitude” to Tony Walker, Barry Fitzpatrick, Rob Ellis and Adrian Kitchin for “years of service, leadership and friendship”.

Mr Walker has worked in insurance for 50 years and was instrumental in building PSC Network and PSC NZ. After Ardonagh’s acquisition, he became chairman of Envest Networks.

Envest Group chairman Paul Dwyer says Mr Walker made “a tremendous impact”.

“The visionary behind PSC Network, Tony built a business that consistently grew year after year and his legacy lives on through the many authorised representatives who began this journey with him and remain with us today,” he said.

Mr Fitzpatrick has been “a cornerstone of the Australian insurance broking industry” for more than 35 years.

He founded Fitzpatrick & Co, which became a founding member of the Aviso and Envest groups. Mr Fitzpatrick was the first chairman of Envest and last year stepped down from day-to-day running of Fitzpatrick & Co when it became part of Aviso Specialty.

“Barry’s legacy will continue to shape and inspire the values and direction of our group for many years to come – and although he is retiring from active duty, he will remain a meaningful shareholder,” Envest CEO Greg Mullins said.

Mr Ellis is a founding partner of Envest, board member and CEO mentor for several Envest Group companies, and played a key role in shaping the group’s strategic direction.

“Known for his thoughtful and people-first leadership style, Rob has contributed significantly to Envest’s internal culture and external partnerships,” Mr Mullins said.

“His calm and strategic approach has earned him the respect of colleagues and partners alike.”

Mr Kitchin has more than 33 years’ experience in broking and underwriting, and helped shape Insurance Advisernet Australia and Resilium Insurance Broking.

He joined the executive team and board in Australia following Ardonagh’s acquisitions of Resilium and Envest, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

“As Adrian … departs the Envest Group, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the authorised representative broking community,” Mr Mullins said.

“His impact will continue to be felt through the businesses he helped build and the people he supported and encouraged.”

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