Former Underwriting Agencies Council chair and Lion Underwriting MD Kurt Nilsen has died after he was diagnosed with cancer early last year. 

Despite intense chemotherapy over many months, the cancer spread through his body and he died at home in the early hours of Saturday with loved ones by his side, a statement from the company he founded says. He was 52.

Underwriting Agencies Council CEO Jenny Bax says the industry had lost a widely respected leader within underwriting circles.

“It is a very sombre time indeed. Kurt gave so much to the Australian insurance community,” Ms Bax said. “Throughout his decade of leadership at UAC, he played a pivotal role in shaping our organisation into what it is today. He was a tireless advocate for underwriting agencies, always focused on strengthening the industry, fostering collaboration, and ensuring UAC remained a valuable voice for members.”

Ms Bax says that beyond Mr Nilsen’s professional achievements, he was known for his integrity, generosity and willingness to support and mentor those around him.

“Many of us were privileged to have worked alongside Kurt, learnt from him, and been inspired by his unwavering commitment to our industry,” she said.

Mr Nilsen was elected to the UAC board in 2013 and served as chair between 2019 and 2022.

He began his insurance career in 1993 at Mutual & Federal Insurance Co in South Africa, moved to Australia in 2001 and later established Australian Professional Underwriting Agency.

Other insurance-related companies he worked at include Intasure Insurance Brokers, Professional Insurance Brokers NSW, ASR Underwriting Agencies, and Specialist Underwriting Agencies. In early 2015 he started Lion, an agency focusing on hard-to-place risks.

The Nilsen family says his strength, kindness and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew him.

“Kurt leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, integrity and compassion. We are deeply grateful for the love and support he received through his journey and find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched,” the family wrote on Facebook.

“Above all, Kurt was a dedicated father, treasuring every moment with his children and sharing his love for nature whenever he could. He spent the months before his passing creating those special memories for Mia and Ollie which will never be forgotten.”

Mr Nilsen appointed Jarrod O’Brien and Nathan Hepple to the Lion Underwriting board last year, asking them to take on leadership roles in the business.

“Lion won’t be the same without Kurt, but Jarrod and I are 100% committed to propelling this business forward in ways consistent with Kurt’s wishes, alongside the existing management team of Dyan Hamill, Adam Thackeray, Rebecca Gottstein and Sara McLoughlin, who worked with Kurt for many years,” Mr Hepple said.

A celebration of Mr Nilsen’s life is expected to take place on the Gold Coast, where he lived. Details will be shared on the Lion website.