The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has appointed BJS Insurance Group Operations Manager Dianne Phelan as President effective from today.

Ms Phelan, vice president for the past two years, takes over from Eric Harris of Aon who will continue as a director.

NIBA CEO Dallas Booth says he looks forward to working with Ms Phelan and the board as the group this year faces upcoming challenges on remuneration, a new Code of Practice and the ongoing hard market.

Ms Phelan, based in Adelaide, has been a broker for more than 30 years and with two colleagues formed Morris Lloyd Insurance Brokers, where she eventually became MD. Later the firm joined Victorian brokerage BJS, which was expanding into other states. BJS now has nine offices across Australia.

“It is very humbling to be appointed as the President of NIBA,” she said. “I feel very privileged to be able to work with Dallas and the rest of the board to ensure we continue to strive for the best outcomes for our members and their clients.”

EBM Insurance CEO Ward Dedman was appointed as Vice President.

“Ward is a former winner of the Warren Tickle Memorial Award for Young Broker of the Year, and has made a long contribution to NIBA and industry affairs in Western Australia,” Mr Booth said.

Outgoing President Mr Harris has completed a two-year term that included the Hayne royal commission outcome, the Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the same time, Eric has led extensive board discussions of the proposed new Code of Practice, and the strategic development of NIBA and insurance broking over the next three-to-five years,” Mr Booth said.