Leela Tiralongo from GSA Insurance Brokers will make a study visit to London after winning the XL Catlin award at this year’s Steadfast Convention in Brisbane.

She will visit the XL Catlin office to see the work of underwriters, actuaries and claims personnel, and will also tour Lloyd’s to observe the market.

“It was a honour and a surprise to win the award,” Sydney-based Ms Tiralongo told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “It’s such an exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to visit XL Catlin’s London offices and Lloyd’s.”

She says the week-long trip will probably happen in July.

Ms Tiralongo has been an account broker with GSA for almost two years, and started her career as an account executive with MA Risk Solutions in 2005.

XL Catlin has partnered with Steadfast to offer the award for the past six years.

This year’s entrants had to write a 500-word essay on the types of consolidation affecting the Australian insurance industry, and resulting impacts on consumers.