The broking industry has paid tribute to former Austbrokers executive Nigel Thomas, who died suddenly on Sunday.

Mr Thomas, 54, who left AUB Group last year before starting his own consultancy, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while on holiday in Thailand with his family.

Friends say Mr Thomas, who leaves wife Belinda and three children, was a much-loved member of the broking industry who will be sadly missed.

“It defies logic, because he was such a fit and healthy guy,” Austbrokers AEI Transport MD Tim Wedlock told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“He was into swimming, lifesaving and surfing. He was a real family man and our thoughts are with his family at this time. We are going to miss him dearly.”

Mr Thomas joined AUB in 2013 but his position of Austbrokers Divisional Chief Executive was made redundant last year. He had previously worked at Hunter Premium Funding for more than a decade.

“When Nigel left AUB he was looking forward to his next adventure in the insurance world, but also to spending more time with his family,” Mr Wedlock said.

National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Dallas Booth told insuranceNEWS.com.au that Mr Thomas would be missed by many across the insurance industry.

“Nigel was highly respected, not just in the AUB Group, but broadly right across broking and it is a very sad loss,” he said.

A memorial service is expected to be held but there are no details at this stage.