A memorial service will be held in Melbourne tomorrow for Gold Seal founder and MD Valerie Baker, who died recently in Germany while being treated for mesothelioma.

A well-known and popular figure in the industry, Ms Baker began her career in insurance in 1963 and became a broker some years later. She was a pioneer in promoting industry education, and built a number of successful brokerages and an underwriting agency.

Her business expertise and industry knowledge led to the establishment in 1995 of the

Gold Seal companies, which offer a range of training and consultancy services for brokers. It’s understood the company will continue under the management of her sister Sheila.

Ms Baker was also in demand as a professional director, and worked with a range of diverse companies inside and outside the financial services sector.

The memorial service will be held at International Receptions, 81 Bay Street, Brighton, at 2pm.