NZI took out Insurer of the Year for the second year in a row
This award is the only one not decided by the judging panel; instead the annual survey of insurance brokers throughout New Zealand decides the winner. NZI led in all five categories covered by the survey which demonstrated that they are considered best in overall value, product range, flexibility and clarity of documentation.
Broker of the Year was awarded to Michael Sargent, a Senior Account Director with Willis.
The judging panel felt he was an exceptional candidate, who demonstrated consistently excellent service to his clients over a long and distinguished career. Client references were exemplary and gave a clear insight into the strong professional relationship he enjoys.
A particular strength was the feedback from clients advising he works exceptionally hard to understand their business, and this gives them the comfort that their insurance needs are really understood.
A special award this year, Outstanding Broker Achievement, saw Paul Weir from Aon honoured.
For more than 40 years he has provided risk management and broking services to corporate clients, many of which are large complex global accounts. Accolades from clients included one from Craig Norgate: “I am not one to exaggerate but there has never been a time when I have not been totally satisfied with his service and results”.
Young Professional Broker went to Annabel Thomas a Business Development Manager with FMR Risk Solutions.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies and is a Senior Associate of ANZIIF. The judges felt she demonstrated a strong commitment to the profession and continuing professional development with a broad strategic approach to her role.
The top Young Professional Loss Adjuster was won by Richard Murphy from McLarens Young.
He has been in the industry for 15 years working in all aspects of loss adjusting, specialising in major claims. Richard has been selected as a participant in McLarens Young Future Leaders programme. He has a Diploma in Business Studies (Insurance Management).
Young Professional Insurer of the Year is John Chandler who is National Claims and Personal Lines Manager for NZI.
He was chosen due to his ability to provide leadership and strategic direction to the teams he heads up, whilst at the same time being able to provide “hands on” strategies to help resolve difficult claim issues. John also demonstrates a commitment to the wider industry and continuing professional growth.
Paul Hurrell from IAG took out Insurance Investigator of the Year.
A career investigator, Paul has now moved into corporate fraud and security risk management. He is also the current Chairman of the industries fraud working group. In their comments the judges noted he is extremely well qualified with excellent technical knowledge and at the top of the industry in terms of professionalism.
Enterprise Recruitment, a nationwide New Zealand owned recruitment agency was judged as providing Best Support Services to the industry.
The company has a separate division specialising in insurance recruitment. Their team has a combined 24 years experience in this area.
Judges commented that they were impressed with the extremely high level of customer satisfaction articulated by this company’s customers.
iNavigator won the Innovation category with its knowledge base for insurance professionals.
It has created a significant change in the way brokers are able to research solutions and provides an efficient platform for insurers, underwriting agencies, law firms and other industry participants to raise awareness about their products and services.
This company was chosen as Innovator of the Year because it provides powerful tools and high quality information to brokers.
