Four directors have been re-elected to the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC) board, with Kurt Nilsen being confirmed for a further one-year term as Chairman.

The successful nominees were Vice-chair Emily Walker (Axis Underwriting), Treasurer Trent Brown (Allstate Underwriting), Company Secretary and Public Officer Heath Amber (Millennium Underwriting Agencies) and Simon Lightbody (Steadfast Underwriting Agencies).

The incoming directors will serve two-year terms.

Five people contested the four available places at the election in Sydney on Thursday. Kevin Corkery (Wellington Underwriting) was unsuccessful. He was first elected in 2008 but did not stand for re-election in 2010.

Mr Nilsen (Lion Underwriting) and fellow directors Eric Lowenstein (Tego) Jeanene Hill (Canopius) and Anthony Porter (AFA) were not required to stand for election this year.

UAC, formed in 1998, has more than 100 voting members and almost 50 business service members.

In his address to the AGM last week Mr Nilsen said all underwriting expo dates and venues are set for 2021 and he is confident members will enjoy “near to normal” broker engagement in the year ahead.

UAC’s membership base continued to grow in 2020, with seven voting members and eight business service members welcomed.

“UAC’s role is vital to the agency sector’s culture of expertise, efficiency and reliability,” Mr Nilsen told members.

“Underwriting agencies are a vital element of the insurance industry. UAC, as your independent representative body, plays a core role in promoting the sector and advocating on your behalf.”