The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance has named this year’s Allianz Donna Walker Awards winners.

Aidan Fitzgerald, head of mechanical and electrical engineering in Sedgwick’s major and complex loss division, took out his year’s emerging talent award.

And IAG manager of people, customer and communications Sinead White won the inspiring leadership accolade.

“Your talent and dedication to the insurance industry are inspiring and we wish you the best with your future careers,” ANZIIF said, adding it received a record number of submissions. 

The awards, presented at the institute’s annual Diversity and Inclusion Luncheon in Sydney, are named in honour of a former Allianz chief technical officer and recognise people who promote diversity and inclusion and exemplify insurance professionalism.

Auckland-based Mr Fitzgerald thanked his “mentors and colleagues for all the time and effort spent training me and encouraging me to continually strive to develop”.

Ms White, from Sydney, says championing inclusion in the workplace is “a critical factor in staying innovative and relevant. By embracing diversity, we ensure our products, services and interactions authentically resonate with the people we serve, leading to stronger relationships and better outcomes.”