Among the finalists for this coveted title were B2W Solutions' Palak Halwadia, along with Ann-Marie McGuire from Allianz Workers Compensation, and QBE representatives. Notably, Ann-Marie McGuire also secured the award for Excellence in Leadership, with Christopher Agland from GIO Workers Compensation being a close contender.
These awards celebrate industry leaders who not only challenge existing norms but also inspire their peers to strive for better outcomes. Mark Tapper from Konekt emerged victorious in the Excellence in Risk Management category, with Gail Murray of Gallagher and Allianz's Anne Ching named as finalists.
In the Deal-Maker of the Year category, Matthew Needham from Hall & Wilcox Lawyers took the top spot, outshining strong competition from Allianz Workers Compensation's David Mooney and IQumulate's Zoe Higgins. Meanwhile, the Excellence in Claims award was bestowed upon Allianz’s Carolina Zubieta Ortiz, with QBE's Lara Cox and Esteban Neilsen from GIO Workers Compensation recognised as finalists.
Aon's Carrie Burgess was celebrated as the Best Support Person of the Year for her exceptional contributions, surpassing notable candidates such as Kairros' Roshan Thapa and Charlie Cartwright from PSC Insurance.
The outcomes of the ACT Insurance Awards underscore the critical role of leadership and innovation within the insurance sector, highlighting exceptional individuals who are significantly pushing the industry forward. Recognising these leaders not only serves as a benchmark for excellence but also motivates others to elevate their performance standards, ultimately benefiting clients and the broader market.
Looking ahead, the recognition of these industry figures is expected to stimulate further advancements in risk management and claims processing methodologies. As award recipients and finalists set higher performance standards, the insurance sector can anticipate a ripple effect, with more companies seeking to innovate and lead. Industry observers will be watching to see how these award-winning initiatives influence broader practices and policies within the sector in the upcoming year.
