IAG Group Technology Audit Manager Natalie Perez has won this year’s Inspiring Leadership award, while Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Underwriter Kate Murray took the Emerging Talent prize. 

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) announced the two Donna Walker award winners at its Diversity & Inclusion Seminar on Thursday. 

“It's my absolute privilege to be able to present these awards to two very worthy recipients,” said Allianz Australia MD Richard Feledy. 

Melbourne-based Ms Perez was praised for her dedication to promoting women in insurance and technology and her work on highlighting the bias that artificial intelligence (AI) can bring, and the gender gap in cybersecurity.   

Auckland-based Ms Murray had shown dedication through involvement on the Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) committee and writing “white papers” on medical malpractice in New Zealand and Australia.  

The awards celebrate excellence in leadership and were launched to honour insurance executive Donna Walker, who died in 2019.  

ANZIIF CEO Prue Wilsford congratulated the winners, saying it is “fantastic to see the range of people who are taking on leadership roles in our industry at all stages of their career”.