Industry colleagues will today gather in Perth to pay their respects at the funeral of popular Steadfast broker Marylin Raina.

The Professional Risk Placements GM, usually known as Maz, lost her battle with cancer on July 19.

“She has millions of friends, mostly in the industry but obviously personal as well,” Professional Risk Placements Senior Account Executive Carry Hillman said. “She’s going to be very sorely missed.”

Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly paid tribute in an email to brokers and staff.

“Wherever Maz went, I am sure they are in for one hell of a party,” he said.

Ms Raina had more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, specialising in professional risk for the past 15 years.

She was president of the WA Professional Services Network and the WA chapter of the Australian Professional Indemnity Group.

Ms Raina also served as VP of the Australian Women in Insurance Association and the Perth Insurance Club, and was a board member of the Edmund Rice camps for children, for which she raised funds and organised events.

She founded her business in Perth in 2005, then sold a majority share to PI Direct in 2010.

Steadfast acquired PI Direct last August, and Ms Raina sold her remaining share to Steadfast in April this year.

“She was generous to a fault in the industry and with her family and friends,” Ms Hillman told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “She loved to travel and she loved to shop. She was a party girl.”

PI Direct MD Paul Burton says Ms Raina was a thorough professional, “a whole lot of fun” and “one of a kind”.

Ms Raina continued working until June 30. She was also a member and mentor for the National Insurance Brokers Association, and sought to promote women in insurance.