Module one of the first Underwriting Agencies Council Leadership Academy program began today with a 30-strong cohort taking part.

It followed a welcome reception yesterday at Market Lane Insurance Group’s office in Sydney, featuring a presentation from Stefan Feldmann, the head of Asia-Pacific at program sponsor HDI Global.

“In an industry that often moves fast and rarely pauses, this academy represents something different – a decision to invest in people, a commitment to leadership and a belief in the future of underwriting agencies,” UAC CEO Jenny Bax told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“This cohort represents the very best of our sector’s emerging and established talent. Their diversity of experience, perspective and ambition is exactly what we hoped to attract.”

The 30 participants were selected from 80 applicants. 

Ms Bax facilitated a panel yesterday, titled Forged in Practice – Leadership Lessons to Inspire, featuring Market Lane CEO David Porteous, CFC Australia MD Anita Lane, CHU Underwriting Agencies CEO Kimberley Jonsson, Insurance Investment Solutions director Jesse Borthwick and Rural Affinity MD James Hooper.  

Ms Bax says the launch was a “powerful confirmation of the appetite across our sector” for industry-led leadership development.  

“The energy in the room, the quality of discussion and the calibre of the cohort reinforced that this program has been created at exactly the right time for the underwriting agency market.”  

The class of 2026 are a “passionate, diverse and highly capable group whose enthusiasm and commitment give us every confidence that the academy, and its impact, will continue to grow ... This program has arrived exactly when the industry needs it.”

As part of the program, HDI will hold a session showing how a regulated insurer works with underwriting agencies. It was produced by head of delegated authority for Australia Peter Gezimati, who says he is “super-proud to be part of this program and that HDI is supporting an industry that is a growing part of our business. 

“At the end of the year we will release into the industry a group of motivated, connected individuals who are going to take our industry forward.

“This will give that inspiration to the younger generation – that you don’t necessarily have to go into investment banking but can actually do something very cool in insurance.”

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