The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has named the winners of its 2023 broking awards for Victoria and Tasmania.

Marsh Corporate & Commercial Leader Victoria Nick Hodges is this year’s Victorian/Tasmanian Broker of the Year, sponsored by QBE.

Marsh Principal - Corporate Olivia Hancock is the region’s Young Professional Broker, sponsored by Vero.

The winning pair, who now compete nationally, were revealed on Friday as the NIBA/Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) expo was held at Crown Melbourne.

Five regional winners will vie for the Stephen Ball Memorial Award for Insurance Broker of the Year, and for the national Warren Tickle Memorial Award for Young Professional Insurance Broker of the Year.

The two national winners will be revealed at the 2023 NIBA Convention at The Star, Gold Coast on October 8-10. 

Mr Hodges competed against finalist Tasmanian Insurance Brokers Senior Account Executive Skie Mitchell. He also receives the Graham ‘Bear’ Stevens Trophy in recognition of Graham Stevens’ significant contribution and dedication to NIBA and the broader broking profession.

“Nick has shown strong commitment in providing reliable, trusted advice to his customers and community,” QBE Australia Pacific MD Business Elliot Hill said. “We commend him for his professionalism.”

Ms Hancock competed against finalists RSM Group Senior Account Manager Steve Richards and WTW Associate Director Financial & Executive Risks Sharmini Sundaram.

“Olivia represents the very best of the broking profession, and Vero is delighted to provide ongoing support to all brokers like her across the country,” Vero State Distribution Manager Vic/Tas Zoran Romanovski said.

“Olivia's passion for the industry really shone through the selection process. She is a true advocate for her clients and an inspiration for her peers.”

NIBA CEO Philip Kewin also congratulated the winners and says the awards are a “fantastic opportunity” to highlight the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and talent in the broking profession.

“We wish Nick and Olivia the best of luck in the national awards, and we congratulate all the finalists who demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and ongoing improvement,” he said.