The 2026 Insurance Business Australia Awards

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Winners shine as industry turns out in force  

Insurance is serious work, but the industry sure knows how to celebrate wins and have a good time. 

The Australian insurance industry crowned its 2026 champions at a sold-out awards event on Sydney Harbour at Doltone House on 1 May. More than 500 brokers, insurers, underwriters and service providers turned out for the ninth annual Insurance Business Australia Awards, celebrating winners across 22 categories. The evening included cocktails, dinner, live music from singer Teegan Bishop and the added glamour of a Maserati sports car in the entrance. 

This year’s MC, radio and television personality Ed Kavalee, kept the night rolling along with panache. This marked his second outing as host after what he described as a sharp lesson learned the first time. 

“I learnt that insurance people might seem to be very serious in work life,” Kavalee told IB. “When it comes to awards night, they are still very serious – about having a good time.” 

And what a good time it was, with the event enjoying its biggest crowd since COVID-19. 

“It’s great to see so many people coming out to support the industry, and in a softening market still engaging in person and celebrating the wins of all of our great Excellence Awardees,” said Craig Stevenson, Key Media’s sales director of insurance events. 

A leader’s surprise – and a focus on clients 

Among the most warmly received moments of the night was the CEO of the Year award, which went to Lisa Carter of Clear Insurance. 

“I’m delighted and honestly very surprised and honoured to win this award,” said Carter. “I like to lead by example and do the right thing by our clients, and I think it’s what makes a successful brokerage.” 

Networks, representatives and the power of people 

Insurance Advisernet took home the Rhodian Authorised Network of the Year award, accepted on the night by Josh Hamill, general manager of broking and risk services. 

“It’s an honour to be awarded again,” said Hamill. He attributed the win to his colleagues. 

“We’re a people business and we have a great network of representatives around Australia,” said Hamill. “We know that they’re advising their customers diligently, so the work that they do with their customers is fantastic, and I think it’s really our people that set us apart.” 



All Star Insurance Brokers had a night of nights, taking home both the AAMC Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award and the Authorised Representative of the Year award. Director Sonia Christou accepted on the firm’s behalf. 

“It’s great, it’s amazing,” she said. “As a migrant, I like to give opportunity to everybody, and so diversity and inclusion in our business is important.” 



Claims teams – the engine room celebrated 

The AAMC Claims Team of the Year award went to NTI and was accepted by Mairead McKendry, national claims manager – technical. 

“We’re so proud to have won this award again,” said McKendry. “It’s a true reflection of the dedication and expertise of the claims team that consistently work every day to do amazing things for our customers and our broker partners.” 
 

A workplace where purpose meets people 

EML walked away with the Employer of Choice award, accepted by Letizia Fusina, general manager of people. 

“It’s amazing and I think it’s just a testament to the wonderful culture that we have at EML,” said Fusina. “It’s really important that we create a great place to work for our people so that they feel fulfilled.” 

The leader said this enables them to successfully carry out EML’s purpose of helping people get their lives back. 

A full-ecosystem celebration 

The organisers credited a refocusing of award categories a couple of years ago with helping to generate rising interest in the annual industry get-together. Stevenson described the 2026 format as “an event for the full ecosystem” – brokers, insurers, service providers and premium funders together under one roof, with independent judging and a fun format that has steadily lifted its profile across the market. 

Event Partner AAMC was among those celebrating the sell-out milestone. Daniel Lukich, AAMC’s strategic relationship manager, said it was “a real testament to the strength of the insurance community behind it.” 

Thanks to all our sponsors 

This year’s awards attracted the support of a wide array of industry stakeholders – a big thanks to all of them. The Event Partner was our long-time supporter, AAMC. Gold Award Partners were DXC and Xceedance. Silver Award Partners were ARC Projects, Australia Underwriting, Consolidated Insurance Brokers and Rhodian. 

Congratulations to all the winners!