Broker and VP of Guy Carpenter Rebecca Zhang has won this year’s Peter Corrigan Scholarship for Innovation and Leadership.

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) and Finity Consulting support the biennial award, which honours the memory of the late Peter Corrigan.

Ms Zhang had to write an essay explaining how one particular area of the general insurance industry will evolve in Australia over the next five years.

ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford says her entry was “exceptional”.

Ms Zhang will receive up to $10,000 from Finity Consulting to attend an international conference or seminar.

Finity Consulting Principal and MD Scott Collings says Ms Zhang is an “outstanding recipient”.

“She demonstrates a solid understanding of the ways in which digital platforms are affecting the Australian insurance market,” he said. “Her detailed assessment of how digital platforms are forcing the industry to ‘innovate or be replaced’ raises some key truths for insurers and firmly validates Rebecca’s future in insurance.

“Peter Corrigan was a born leader and major contributor to our industry. This scholarship acknowledges his legacy and encouragement of young industry members.”

The result was announced at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards last week.