Sixteen finalists are in the running to win the National Insurance Brokers Association broker of the year award. 

The award, sponsored for the first time by CGU, showcases “the immense depth of talent that’s present in our insurance broking profession”, NIBA says. 

The association will name five state winners at upcoming gala lunches, and the national winner will be announced at the NIBA Convention in Adelaide in October. 

The NSW/ACT finalists are: Intercharge Insurance Brokers GM Sean Morrish; Lockton Companies Australia client director corporate Sharon Ling; and Bell Partners Insurance MD Matthew Bates. 

Queensland finalists are: Clear Insurance director Jen Bettridge; North Queensland Insurance Brokers area manager Kieran Volpe; and Insurance Mentor MD Scott Stewart. 

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

WA finalists are: Westminster Coverforce account director Gavin McDiarmid; Johnson Insurance Brokers owner Murray Johnson; and EBM Insurance & Risk regional director Chelsey Harris. 

SA/NT finalists are: 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. 

NIBA CEO Richard Klipin says brokers’ role serving clients and their broader communities has never been more important.

“We are proud to showcase the finalists for the broker of the year award, who have demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism through their practice,” he said. 

The five state winners will attend a CGU and Jawun Ngarrindjeri Country workshop in SA in September, and CGU will send the national winner to a New York University Stern School of Business short executive course next year, including flights and seven nights' accommodation. 

"CGU believes in celebrating broker ambition,” EGM Damien Gallagher said. “The sixteen finalists are leading the way in the industry and supporting Australians through their ambition, integrity and expertise.” 

Last month, NIBA revealed the 15 finalists vying for its young broker of the year award.

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