Insurance Business has officially unveiled its 2026 Hot List — a definitive line-up of standout insurance leaders from across Australia and New Zealand whose influence has shaped the sector over the past 12 months.
With 2026 in full swing, the trans-Tasman insurance market is still in a softer phase, but lower rates don’t translate to less pressure. There's a very challenging economic backdrop as Australia flirts with technical recession and New Zealand with a sluggish economy, and bothy by inflationary headwinds and cost presssures. That's not to metion the rise of artificial intelligence, regulatory demands, ever increasing customer expectations and persistant claims pressure from climate threats.
Compiled in January 2026 through a mix of direct industry outreach and independent research, the Hot List is the product of months of conversations, nominations and rigorous analysis across the Australian and New Zealand insurance landscape.
Insurance Business canvassed opinion from every corner of the sector — brokers, underwriters, insurers and industry bodies — searching for the professionals who have driven strategic change, shaped market trends, or steered their organisations through an increasingly complex operating environment.
From an initial field of about 500 nominees, the final cut were selected for their impact on innovation, organisational performance and broader sector leadership. Previous accolades and industry recognition also factored into the final shortlist — but it was real-world influence over the past 12 months that ultimately separated the standouts from the rest.
This year's Hot List includes:
