Insurance House Advance GM Jim Karafilis has announced he is stepping down from the role and will pass the leadership baton at the authorised partner network to Melissa Starfield. 
 
“Mel joins us from CGU where she held numerous senior strategic relationship roles during her career. She is highly talented and respected across distribution channels nationally,” Mr Karafilis says on LinkedIn. 
 
The Advance business now exceeds $250 million in gross written premium, across 65 partner offices, and a strong values-based culture is an important DNA of the business, he says. 
 
“My intention is to commence a smooth transition as GM of the Advance business during the balance of this year,” he says. “[The] time is right personally to pass over the leadership baton to Mel, with full confidence she will lead the Advance business to even greater success in the future.”  
 
Mr Karafilis, who has more than 46 years insurance industry experience, says he will reassess full-time work commitments, while looking forward to a future that allows more time with the grandchildren, farm, leisure interests and voluntary work. 
 
Ms Starfield, most recently National Manager, Broker Relationships at CGU, says she looks forward to connecting with the authorised representatives and insurers in the coming weeks.