Claims management company Gallagher Bassett has paid tribute to GM Consulting and Claims Excellence Simon Wilson, who died suddenly earlier this month while surfing alone at a Gold Coast beach.

Mr Wilson, 44, leaves young children Ava and Finn, and pregnant wife Lisa. A fundraising page has been set up to help the Wilson family.

“We are all so deeply shocked and saddened by the recent news of Simon’s passing,” Gallagher Bassett COO Brad Smith told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“I have known Simon and his family for many years and have seen first-hand the impacts he had on so many, both personally and professionally.

“Simon joined the GB family in April 2019 and in that relatively short period of time made significant contributions, and had a massive impact on our people and the customers he interacted with.

“This is clearly an incredibly difficult period for Simon’s wife Lisa, and his two young children Ava and Finn and we will continue to do all we can to support them. We may have lost a valued friend and colleague however his legacy will live on forever.”

When he joined Gallagher Bassett, the company said Mr Wilson would be responsible for driving its consultancy and corporate injury management offerings and emerging mental health and wellbeing services.

Previously he had spent more than eight years with Allianz Partners Australia, where he held a variety of national roles.