The National Insurance Brokers Association today named its Queensland award winners at a gala lunch at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention attended by almost 400 professionals. 

North Queensland Insurance Brokers area manager Kieran Volpe is the state’s broker of the year, and WTW account executive Jodie Krafft won the young broker category.

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin says the awards are an integral part of recognising and celebrating standout talent in the broking profession.

“I wish Jodie and Kieran all the best for the upcoming national awards in October and would like to congratulate all the finalists for their commitment and dedication.”

The ten 2024 state winners will compete for national honours, to be awarded at the NIBA Convention in Adelaide in October.  

They include today’s winners, as well as NSW/ACT’s Matthew Bates and Emily-Rose Srbinovska, and WA’s Chelsey Harris and Nikita Willis. NIBA will name the winning Victoria/Tasmania duo at Sofitel Melbourne on Friday, and the SA/NT winners at Adelaide Oval next week. 

The CGU-partnered broker award recognises a senior broker who has helped elevate standards in the profession, and the Vero-partnered young broker prize celebrates an outstanding professional under the age of 35. 

"This award recognises those who have made a significant impact to their customers and local communities, and we’re pleased to acknowledge Kieran's efforts in meeting and exceeding his customer’s needs,” CGU broker principal Madi Ward said. 

Vero Queensland state distribution manager Peter Roberts says Ms Krafft is an “inspiration to her peers and has consistently proven to be an outstanding advocate for her clients”.  

“Her dedication to professional development and passion for the insurance industry are truly commendable,” he said. 

Here are the remaining state finalists:  

Broker of the year 

Victoria/Tasmania: National Insurance Brokers owner Abbie Wilson, Avatar Brokers state manager Alexandra Ferguson and Aon regional manager Joshua Boyd.  

SA/NT: Guardian Insurance Brokers client relationship manager Phil Spagnuolo, Holdfast Insurance Brokers specialised placement manager Neil Daniel, Pillar Brokerage director Will Laundy and Marsh specialty principal Daniela Zaccone. 

Young broker of the year:  

Victoria/Tasmania: Lockton client manager corporate Shweta Nimkar, RSM Group senior account manager Steven Richards, and Honan client executive Dion Owens. 

SA/NT: Guardian account executive Kaitlin Munn, Kerrie Woodards Insurance senior account executive Jack Miles, Aon client manager Lachlan Birrell and Holdfast account manager Rebecca Heatley.