IB celebrates 29 of the Australian insurance industry’s foremost female leaders WHILE INSURANCE is unarguably still a male-dominated field, especially at the executive level, it’s fair to say the sector is making significant progress in improving gender representation. A push for greater gender diversity and equality is happening in workplaces across the nation, and Diversity Australia has recognised the finance, banking and insurance services sector as a leader in implementing diversity policies. Given the increasing number of diversity and inclusion initiatives being rolled out across the insurance industry, it’s no surprise that women are finding it to be a safe and supportive environment in which to pursue a challenging and rewarding career. Although policies and programs are crucial to building a fairer and more inclusive industry, it’s the accomplished female role models who are invaluable in providing inspiration to younger women entering the field. This is where IB’s Elite Women in Insurance list comes in. The 29 impressive female leaders on the following pages stand out among the many women who have used their skills and insights to shape Australia’s insurance industry. Today, these women are determining the industry’s strategic direction in the wake of COVID-19, paving its future path and inspiring those who choose to follow in their footsteps.
ELITE WOMEN IN INSURANCE INDEX NAME
COMPANY
PAGE
Bates, Hilary
Zurich
27
Butler, Kelly
Marsh
30
Carter, Lisa
Clear Insurance
29
Challenor, Kerrie
NTI
26
Cooper, Mandy
CPR Insurance Services
23
David, Rachel
Private Healthcare Australia
28
Donnelly, Carmel
SIRA
30
Gordon, Bonni
Global Risks
22
Hardy, Karen
Acme Insurance Brokers
21
Hollman, Samantha Steadfast
21
Jack, Sheena
HCF
26
Jackson, Kay
Simplex Insurance Solutions
19
Lane, Anita
Solution Underwriting Agency
20
KAY JACKSON
Maher, Vanessa
Liberty Specialty Markets
22
Director
Martin-Ross, Charis Allianz Australia
31
Morgan, Lara
Allinsure
26
O’Neill, Jenny
Hollard Insurance
30
Pollack, Rachel
QBE
24
Slack, Melanie
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions
21
Sperring, Jules
Allied World
20
Steffensen, Lyle
Marsh
18
Stenning, Barbara
Berkley Insurance Australia
25
Stevens, Angela
GT Insurance
22
Tokody, Carole
Crisis Cover
20
Uehling, Beth
icare
25
Vaghaye, Pegah
CGU Insurance
24
Wahi, Meena
Cyber Data-Risk Managers
25
Walsh, Lynette
Aon Commercial Risk Solutions
29
Willsford, Prue
ANZIIF
24
Simplex Insurance Solutions
Kay Jackson entered the insurance industry in 1986 and joined Simplex Insurance Solutions in 2005. Today, as a director at Simplex, one of her main roles is taking responsibility for compliance. However, she remains passionate about working as a broker, which allows her to do what she loves most: interacting with and helping clients. “I love being a broker much more than I do running a business,” she says. During the COVID-19 crisis, Jackson says keeping her clients supported and informed is her top duty. “At the start of COVID-19, we had some businesses calling to cancel their insurance, as they were not operating, but a discussion was had with them about the fact that they still needed cover for contents/stock/ glass. This is because the risk was still there – and a higher risk of vandalism, burglary, etc., if the premises were vacant and even liability exposures that still exist. Most kept their coverage in place, and if due for renewal, we have had discussions with regards to payment options and what’s best for their individual circumstances.” Despite those obstacles, Jackson says her biggest accomplishment over the past six months has been continuing to grow business, even during the pandemic. “We have still had growth, even though not at the same rate we had budgeted for prior to COVID-19,” she says.
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