Steadfast MD and CEO Robert Kelly has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Mr Kelly was recognised for his “significant service to the insurance sector, and to the community”.

He is currently overseas but the Steadfast board says it is delighted that Mr Kelly has been selected for the “prestigious award”.

“Robert Kelly has made a very significant contribution to the Australian insurance industry and generously supported the community in many areas over a very long period,” Chairman Frank O’Halloran said.

“I am sure all of us in the Steadfast Network and the wider insurance community will join with the Steadfast Group Board in congratulating Robert on his thoroughly deserved recognition”.

Information provided with the list notes that Mr Kelly was a co-founder of Steadfast in 1996, and a director of the Steadfast Foundation from 2011.

It also highlights his charity work as a director of KidsXpress and regular participant in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and Children’s Cancer Institute CEO Dare to Cure.

It flags awards and recognition, including being named “most influential person in the insurance industry” in Insurance News Magazine, in December 2019.

Mr Kelly also won the National Insurance Brokers Association Lex McKeown Trophy in 2016 and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance Insurance Industry Leader of the Year award in 2011.