Vero, NTI and Liberty repeat award wins as top brokers named
Vero has been named large general insurer of the year by NIBA, with transport specialist NTI crowned best underwriting agency and Liberty the top specialty insurer.
The awards were presented at the National Insurance Brokers Association Convention yesterday.
The three accolades – which repeat the results from last year – were determined by feedback from the annual broker market survey.
Angela Carter, a director with survey partner NielsenIQ, says Vero has demonstrated “continued improvement in ... being seen as the most trusted partner for brokers”.
NTI “stood out versus its competitors, particularly being good value for money and responsive to brokers”, she says, and Liberty “embedded its strong corporate reputation of being a trusted partner that brokers are happy to recommend”.
Caleb Richards, a Wagga Wagga-based practice leader at Gallagher’s AgriRisk, was named broker of the year.
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The prize showcases the “achievements of senior brokers whose ambition is shaping change in our industry”, says Damien Gallagher, EGM at award sponsor CGU.
Still Insured MD James Still was crowned best young broker.
Anthony Pagano, head of distribution at award sponsor Vero, says Mr Still “exemplifies everything this award stands for. His drive for professional growth, his client-first approach and his unwavering commitment to community are truly inspiring.”
BJS Insurance Group chairman Ron Smith – who helped plan the Austbrokers float – was awarded the Lex McKeown Trophy for service to the profession.
“From a 16-year-old mail boy learning the business from the ground up to a builder of enterprises and opportunities for others, he has consistently turned effort into excellence and leadership into service,” NIBA president Nick Cook said.
Earlier at the convention, Aon Risk Services’ Wendy Ford was named claims broker of the year and North Queensland Insurance Brokers area manager Kieran Volpe took the community excellence prize.
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin says this year’s finalists “brought a wealth of experience and diversity, elevating professionalism ... highlighting that our brokers are future-ready and our profession is in highly capable hands”.
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