The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has awarded IAG NZ CEO Amanda Whiting with this year’s Insurance Leader of the Year honours in the 11th New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards. 

Ms Whiting was praised by the judges as a “visionary CEO”, with a track record of fostering innovative and diverse workplaces, exceptional culture and customer-centred outcomes.  

They also commended her work in “difficult circumstances” as chair of the Cyclone Taskforce Insurance Subgroup, which spearheaded recent disaster response and recovery alongside central and local government. 

“Known for not taking herself too seriously, Amanda is passionate, optimistic, and persistent,“ the panel said. “She tirelessly contributes to the industry through several boards and committees.“  

Wotton & Kearney Associate Isabelle Kwek was crowned Young Insurance Professional of the Year, and John Stubbs, who retired in April after holding the role of Property Facultative Underwriter at Gen Re New Zealand since 1987, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been an ANZIIF member since starting in insurance in 1972. 

Farmers’ Mutual Group (FMG) took the award for New Zealand General Insurance Company of the Year, while AA Insurance won Claims Team of the Year. 

Marsh New Zealand was crowned Large Broking Company of the Year for the second time in a row, while Insurance Advisernet New Zealand is Broker Network of the Year.  

Underwriting Agency of the Year was won by “newcomer” Underwriting Agencies of New Zealand, while Life Insurance Company of the Year went to Asteron Life, and Simfuni was named Insurtech Start-up of the Year. 

"Congratulations to this year's winners – all have displayed excellence, and a commitment to professionalism over the past year," ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford said.  

Here is the full list of awards:   

Insurance Leader of the Year: Amanda Whiting     

General Insurance Company of the Year: FMG    

Claims Team of the Year: AA Insurance     

Life Insurance Company of the Year: Asteron Life       

Underwriting Agency of the Year: Underwriting Agencies of New Zealand      

Large Broking Company of the Year:  Marsh New Zealand     

Broker Network of the Year:  Insurance Advisernet New Zealand    

Insurtech Start-up of the Year: Simfuni     

Professional Services Firm of the Year: McLarens New Zealand     

Service Provider to the Insurance Industry: RedBook    

Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion: AIA New Zealand      

Excellence in Environmental, Social and Governance Change: AIA New Zealand      

Young Insurance Professional of the Year: Isabelle Kwek     

ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award: John Stubbs