Wedlock died on Saturday while travelling in Nashville, Tennessee. According to Nashville police, he was among several pedestrians struck by a vehicle after an 87-year-old driver allegedly failed to stop at a red light. Three other pedestrians were also injured in the incident. Wedlock was 58.
NIBA president Nick Cook, who began his career alongside Wedlock at Guardian Royal Exchange (GRE) nearly 40 years ago, said the loss was deeply personal.
"Tim and I started out together at GRE nearly 40 years ago, and our careers have been intertwined ever since," Cook said. "Tim had a way of lifting the people around him - generous with his time, sharp in his judgement, and always in your corner. The broking community has lost one of its giants, and I've lost a dear friend. On behalf of NIBA and everyone whose life Tim touched, our thoughts are with his wife Prue, his son Matt, and his daughter Ash."
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In a joint statement, AUB Group CEO and managing director Mike Emmett and chief broking officer Ben Bessell said Wedlock's loss would be felt across the profession:
"Tim was one of a kind. His passion for the things he loved, his commitment to business, and his contagious enthusiasm for life were always on display. He was equally happy to call to provide guidance, or just to check in to see how things were going. The general insurance broking profession is in a better place as a result of his dedication to education and professionalism. He will be missed deeply by the industry, but particularly by AEI and the broader Austbrokers family."
Nearly four decades at AEI
Wedlock's career with AEI spanned close to 39 years, a milestone he marked the week before his death. He rose to become executive chairman of the firm, one of Australia's most established transport and logistics broking groups and member of the Austbrokers network.
His contribution to NIBA was similarly long-standing. He served as NIBA President from 2017 to 2019 and sat on the NIBA Board for 14 years, alongside work across various Association committees. He was also a founding member of the Insure Your Future initiative, an effort aimed at bringing new talent into the broking profession - a cause he championed throughout his career, including during his time helping judge the industry awards he handed out as NIBA president.
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Wedlock's standing in the profession was reflected in the recognition he received over the years. He was named NSW Qualified Professional Insurance Broker of the Year in 2004 and again in 2009, received the ANZIIF Insurance Leader of the Year award in 2018, and in 2021 was presented with NIBA's Lex McKeown Trophy, awarded for outstanding service to the Association and the broking profession.
Remembered for warmth and mentorship
NIBA vice-president Rebecca Wilson said Wedlock's warmth was matched by his generosity.
"Tim was a great mate and a wonderful mentor to so many of us. He gave his time freely, backed people when it mattered, and carried a genuine care for this profession and everyone in it. That spirit is how he'll be remembered."
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said the loss would be felt deeply across the Association.
"NIBA is a strong and tight-knit community, built on people who are exceptionally giving of themselves. When loss arrives, and especially a shock like this, it is felt by every one of us. Tim gave so much to this profession over so many years that his absence will be felt for a long time to come, and his legacy will continue to shape the broking community for years ahead."
