Coming of Age
With the increasing number of entries received, the Australia and New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards has come of age. The range, diversity and quality of entrants received has been amazing, proof that the insurance markets in Australia and New Zealand have much to crow about. In some cases, they are even way ahead of the more established global markets way up north.
Awards such as these can only succeed with the full support of the whole industry. It works not only because the past winners support the process but also because responsible leaders in the market are ready to stand tall to be part of the movement that earnestly wants to recognise and salute excellence in the industry.
The Awards have quickly become an important event in the industry calendar in both countries, with record turnout of more than 700 at the Gala Awards Presentation Dinner.
After three long years, it is clear that the Awards serve a purpose in boosting the image and profile of the industry publicly. More importantly, it shows that there are many candidates out there who are doing exciting things and are ready to come forth to be recognised for this excellence. It is the sharing of information of these outstanding practices that will ultimately boost greater innovation, growth and sophistication in the markets.
It is the neutrality and contribution of the eminent members of the judging panel that determine the stature of any awards. Hence, I must place on record the extreme professionalism, dedication and hard work of all members of the Judging Panel. Their commitment is an inspiration for all of us, and an encouragement for more companies to take part in the Awards where even self-nominations are welcome.
I must place on record our appreciation to our active co-organiser partner, ANZIIF, whose team led by CEO Joan Fitzpatrick, was exemplary in the excellent handling of the whole Awards process. There is a whole long list of people that my team and I would like to thank including:
• All nominees who took part in the Awards and dutifully complied with the strict timelines;
• The distinguished panel of judges,
• The sponsors for their enthusiastic support of the event;
• The insurance-related associations who lent their support to the Awards; and
• The Awards’ auditor, Deloitte.
Lastly, I salute this year’s winners. Remember, it’s not easy being a winner, now you have to prove that you are indeed worthy of the Award.
Sivam Subramaniam,
Editor-in-Chief, Asia Insurance Review,
Co-Host.
Presiding Judge And Co-Organiser’s Message
I am so very proud to be returning in 2006 as Chair of the Judging Panel for the Australia and New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards.
Insurance is a broad industry with specialised streams and sectors that work independently of each other and to come together for occasions such as this is both special and unique. The Awards celebrate the region’s commitment and dedication to best practice and high achievement. A record number of nominations were received this year and combined with the fact that the presentation dinner sold out six weeks before the event certainly serves as a true indication of exactly how committed to professional excellence this industry is and I applaud that wholeheartedly.
A fourteen member judging panel has determined the winners for each of the twelve categories. The judging process is a demanding and extensive one, involving the assessment of each submission and ranking against strict criteria, followed by a silent vote to determine the ultimate winners. The process is independently audited by Deloitte to ensure its transparency and rigour.
The judging panel is made up of industry leaders who are experts in their fields, volunteering their services for these awards. I would like to thank my esteemed colleagues for their service in 2006:
• Ian Brown, President of ANZIIF and director of several Australian and international insurance companies
• John Peberdy, Managing Director, EIG-Ansvar
• Chris Ryan, Chief Executive, Insurance Council of New Zealand
• Bob Glading, Consultant
• Don Findlater, Senior Partner, Insurance Practice, KPMG
• Steve Knight, President, Australian Insurance Law Association
• Andrew Thomas, President, Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters
• Walter Spratt, Consultant
• Jason Nyilas, Partner, IBM Business Consulting Services
• Chai Sophonpanich, President of the EAIC Main Executive Board
• Patrick M Liedtke, Secretary-General, The Geneva Association
• Patrick Kenny, President & Chief Executive Officer, International Insurance Society Inc
• Christopher Ho, Chairman, Singapore Reinsurers’ Association
The industry continually speaks of its ongoing commitment to professional excellence and best practice. Through these awards we are able to recognise and celebrate not only the winners of each category, but also each and every company who was nominated. As true leaders and ambassadors, they show what we can achieve through a commitment to excellence in all that we do.
The Awards seek to recognise companies on their merit, irrespective of their size or financial weight and this year we were very pleased to receive entries from companies outside what could perhaps be described as ‘the big group’. The broking category in particular was contested by companies of varying size, all of whom made excellent cases as to why they should be recognised as the best in the industry for the past year. Whilst there can only be one overall winner for each category, the judges wanted to recognise and thank all applicants for the high quality submissions that were received this year.
The panel felt that one extra submission outside of the overall category winners was of a very high calibre and that it ought to be recognised in some way. I am delighted to present a Merit Award to C & G Rothbury, recognising the quality of their application and the commitment to professionalism that is so very obviously an integral part of their business.
The 2006 awards are truly inspiring. The panel received a record number of nominations and the presentation evening has become a sell-out event. Our industry truly can stand tall and proud
Joan Fitzpatrick
CEO, Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance,
Presiding Judge and Co-Host.
