Finsura Insurance Broking Corporate Account Manager Barry Sonter has won the 2023 Broker of the Year award, the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) announced. 

Sydney-based Mr Sonter was presented with the QBE-sponsored award at the NIBA Convention Gala Dinner at The Star Gold Coast, with attendance estimated at 750.  

Brisbane-based East West Insurance Brokers Head of Client Services Taylor Burstow won the Vero-sponsored 2023 Young Broker of the Year award. 

"The finalists this year demonstrated a high standard of professionalism and an awareness of their responsibility to be positive role models for the community,” NIBA CEO Philip Kewin said.  

“All the finalists should be incredibly proud, they've set a very high benchmark for the broking profession.” 

Mr Sonter started in underwriting and transitioned to insurance broking in 1981, joining Finsura in 1993. Mr Kewin says he is an inspiring broker and role model who is passionate about delivering outstanding service to clients and his role in the community. 

QBE Australia Pacific GM Partnerships Lorelle Hillman says Mr Sonter has fostered strong long-term relationships across the industry, enabling him to achieve great customer outcomes. 

"Commitment to his customers and the broader insurance community ensured Barry stood out, and we're proud to recognise his efforts,” she said.  

Mr Sonter competed against SA/NT regional winner Thomas Insurance Brokers MD Gary Thomas, Queensland’s SB Protect Insurance Partner Lisa Shanta, WA’s Grace Insurance Director Frans du Plessis, and Victoria/Tasmania regional winner Marsh Corporate & Commercial Leader Victoria Nick Hodges. 

Vero Head of Distribution Commercial Insurance Anthony Pagano says Mr Burstow has an outstanding work ethic and his "thirst for knowledge, drive and inquisitive mind truly shone through”. 

Mr Burstow competed against SA/NT regional winner Guardian Insurance Brokers Account Executive Adam Luppino, Aviso WA Insurance Brokers Account Executive Justin Purslowe, NSW/ACT regional winner Network Insurance Group Account Director Joel Morrell, and Victoria/Tasmania regional winner Marsh Principal Corporate Olivia Hancock.  

On Monday NIBA announced North Queensland Insurance Brokers claims manager Charmaine Field won the inaugural Claims Broker of the Year Award, sponsored by Sedgwick.  

“Charmaine’s application demonstrated great empathy and genuine service to the community,” Sedgwick Client Director Colin McEnery said. 

“Charmaine demonstrated excellence in technical competence in claims management and advocacy in action, professionalism in building relationships with clients and underwriters and extensive experience in claims process and practice leading to better client outcomes.” 

Also on Monday, NIBA announced Sydney-based Integrite Insurance MD Paula Cruden won this year’s Community Excellence Award, which is sponsored by Liberty Specialty Markets, which gave Ms Cruden $1000 and other applications and nominations $500 to donate to their chosen charities. 

Ms Cruden’s brokerage matched that, as did licence-holder McLardy McShane Insurance Brokers, for a total of $3000 donated to Capes 4 Kids. 

“Paula shows true commitment to helping clients and her community,” Liberty VP Relationship Management & Marketing Asia Pacific Peter O'Leary said. 

“Not only does her business specialise in providing insurance services to a diverse group of non-profit organisations, community groups and disability service providers, she also supports her clients by participating and donating to fundraising events.”