AEI Insurance Broking Group has promoted Noel Kelly to the role of MD and CEO, effective from next year.

Tim Wedlock, who has been MD since 2007, will continue to work with key clients and industry connections as Executive Chairman, a role vacated by AEI founder Steve Bennett who remains non-executive Director.

“Noel will assume overall responsibility of the day-to-day management of the Group, as well as driving the strategic direction of the business. Tim will remain in the business to work closely alongside Noel,” AEI said. 

AEI, one of Australia’s largest transport logistics brokers and a member of the Austbrokers Network, celebrates 40 years in business this year and operates from eight offices along Australia’s east coast.

“I am thrilled and excited to announce this leadership transition within AEI,” Mr Wedlock said. “Noel’s financial acumen and business leadership has been vastly demonstrated across many of initiatives. 

“I have every confidence that through his leadership and hard work that the business will continue to flourish”. 

Sydney-based Mr Kelly, a Trucksafe Director, has been at AEI 15 years and joined the board in 2019. His transition into this new role has been part of a long-standing succession plan undertaken by the business, AEI said.

Mr Kelly, who was National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) young professional broker of the year in 2016, thanked Mr Wedlock for his dedication, professionalism and commitment.

"It is an honour and privilege to be taking on the joint role and I am extremely excited to work alongside my leadership team to drive the innovation required for the next phase of growth in AEI’s evolution,” he said.

Mr Wedlock is a Lex McKeown Trophy recipient, longstanding NIBA member, and was ANZIIF broking leader of the year 2018.