The 2025 Insurance Business Australia Awards

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Winners revel in awards night fun

Insurance professionals from around the country gathered at the Hilton Sydney on 2 May for the Insurance Business Australia Awards 2025. More than 420 people celebrated the industry’s high achievers across 21 categories and enjoyed a three-course dinner, music and live entertainment.

“It’s fabulous,” said Robert Kelly as he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The industry veteran and CEO of Steadfast Group has arguably influenced Australia’s industry as much as anyone over the decades. He had good reason to celebrate.

“I’ve worked very hard in this industry,” said Kelly. “[And] when people congratulate you for something, you should say, ‘thank you’.”

The CEO appreciated the big turnout and commented on the event’s “great vibe”.

Accolades for brokers and brokerages

“It’s incredibly humbling,” said Shane Brady. “I came up here with no expectations, and I certainly did not expect to be standing here with this award.”

Brady is Director of Stone Lane Broking & Risk Advisory. From a strong field of brokers, he won the Australia Underwriting Broker of the Year award. He credited his team for the success.

George Vincent, Director of Australia Underwriting (AU), said his firm was “thrilled” to support this prize.

“We are immensely grateful for your continued partnership and the exceptional work brokers do each day,” said Vincent.

Brady’s was just one of several broker-related awards on the night.

“Brokers play a pivotal role in helping our clients navigate the increasingly complex and fast-evolving risks they face,” said Stephen Nguyen. Nguyen is Head of Distribution Australia at AXA XL, sponsor of the Medium Brokerage of the Year award. Trade Risk won that prize.

There was also the Large Broker of the Year award, sponsored by Arch Insurance. Michael Faulkner, the firm’s Distribution and Engagement Lead, referred to its “outstanding list” of winners. This year the award went to Guardian Insurance Brokers.

Celebrating underwriting agencies

Underwriting agencies were another big focus of the event. “UAC is proud to sponsor the Underwriting Agency of the Year award,” said UAC CEO Jenny Bax. “The recipient represents the pinnacle of professionalism in client service and underwriting across the many underwriting agencies operating in the Australian market.”

This year’s winner was CHU Underwriting Agencies.

Young Achievers

Other important awards were up for the taking.

The Young Achievers award was sponsored by Elantis Premium Funding. This prize recognised an outstanding young insurance broker in the industry, under the age of 40.

“At Elantis, we’re all about backing young insurance brokers because they bring fresh perspectives and digital know-how that really drive innovation,” said CEO Rachael Lavars.

Tate Harris from allinsure was the winner.

Shining a light on claims teams

Let’s not forget the engine room of the insurance industry: claims teams.

Daniel Lukich, AAMC’s Sales and Strategic Relationship Manager, said a big reason behind his firm’s decision to sponsor the Claims Team of the Year prize was to celebrate the particularly hard-working people in this essential part of the industry.

“I’ve always felt that working in claims is thankless and tough, especially now, as the bulk of complaints insurance companies receive are primarily about claims execution,” said Lukich.

Lukich said it was important to shine a light on their efforts. NTI took out that award.

Thanks to all our sponsors

AAMC was also this year’s Event Partner.

Other supporters were Land + Road by AAMC, sponsor of the Philanthropy & Community Service – CSR award; HDI Global SE, the champagne sponsor; Crawford & Company (Australia), the photobooth sponsor; and Raindrop, the social media sponsor. 

Congratulations to all the victors!