Catherine Pettitt

Young insurance professionals will meet with current industry heavyweights in a series of events aimed to foster the next generation of industry leaders.

The Generation i: Leaders of the Pack afternoon workshop series, an initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance Finance’s Gen i program, will see under 35s given the opportunity to meet with industry figures in five cities across Australia.

“These events are based on small group conversations where discussion is open, frank and relaxed. Each leader will meet with around nine under-35s to talk about career progression, skill building, how to overcome challenges, how to lead and anything else that might be on the minds of the attendees. This is about helping the next generation of insurance leaders to learn, develop confidence and gain valuable advice on how to move forward in their insurance careers,” said Catherine Pettitt, Chair of the ANZIIF Gen i Council.

The events are part of the Institute’s work to foster the next generation of insurance talent and to aid with talent retention and skills development among young people, said David McKinnis, CEO of Insight Australia Group, one of the 60 industry leaders who will participate.

“These Gen i events are an outstanding initiative which provides aspiring young professionals an excellent forum to not only meet with like-minded individuals, but also to interact and learn from senior insurance figures about their success and how to avoid potential pitfalls in order to have a successful, fulfilling and rewarding career.  I also know that the industry leaders involved are not only excited about meeting the future leaders of our industry but are always impressed with the quality, enthusiasm and passion of the attendees.”

The workshops will be led by Executive Coach, Sue Zablud,a Director of Human Asset Development Group.

The post Industry leaders to share pearls of wisdom with insurance up-and-comers appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Prue Willsford

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (the Institute) has launched an unprecedented national survey to identify trends in hiring, skills shortages and staff retention in insurance. This is the first time the knowledge, insights and experiences of human resources and management will be pooled for the common good of the industry.

Launched yesterday, the Careers in Insurance Survey is directed at human resources executives and senior management. The insider knowledge of the respondents will provide a comprehensive overview of industry trends, practices and areas of concern.

“There has long been talk about the industry’s struggles attracting, developing and retaining staff. This is the first stage of an initiative that will help us to determine whether there really are areas related to working in insurance that need our attention. This Survey is integral to finding out whether we have any weak spots and, if we do, will provide the platform for us working together to do something about them,” said Prue Willsford, CEO of the Institute.

The industry-wide initiative, spearheaded by the Institute and Daniel Fogarty, CEO of Zurich Insurance, is supported by the Insurance Council of Australia and the National Insurance Brokers Association. The collaboration reflects the importance of the research to ensuring the staffing and talent needs of the industry can be met.

“We are calling on human resources managers and management-level staff to complete the Survey. Insurance is one of the most vital parts of the Australian economy. We need to continue to attract high calibre candidates, train them well and develop them for the future needs of the industry. This Survey is the first step in us doing that,” said Mr. Fogarty.

“The ICA is collaborating with NIBA and ANZIIF to deliver an industry-wide initiative that highlights the significant benefits of a career in insurance. Our industry has much to offer, with a broad range of career choices, and initiatives such as the Careers in Insurance survey provide us with key insights and will help us direct better targeted career programs. Financial services is a competitive employment sector and we want insurance to be ahead of the pack, to be the employer of choice,” ICA CEO Rob Whelan said.

Human resources professionals and management-level staff working in insurance will receive the Careers in Insurance Survey via email . Those wishing to participate who do not receive it are invited to contact the Institute by emailing: customerservice@theinstitute.com.au.

The post Unprecedented survey launched to uncover reality of staffing the insurance industry appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Prue Willsford

The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (the Institute) and founding partner the Asia Insurance Review are pleased to announce the finalists of the 2014 Australian Insurance Industry Awards.

This year, the Institute received a record number of submissions for 15 categories, ensuring a highly competitive selection process.

“The Institute, Asia Insurance Review and the Awards judging panel were thrilled with the number and quality of submissions for this year’s awards. In selecting our finalists, it was clear that Australia has a high achieving, innovative and dynamic insurance industry. This can only be a good thing for our industry, our community and our economy,” said Prue Willsford, CEO of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, the Award host.

The finalists for each category are:

Claims Provider of the Year

• CGU
• National Transport Insurance (NTI)
• Suncorp Group
• Swiss Re

Underwriting Agency of the Year

• Brooklyn Underwriting
• GT Insurance
• UAA

Service Provider to the Insurance Industry

• Gratex International
• JB Hi-Fi
• Taylor Fry

Innovation of the Year

Budget Direct

• Celsius Pro (Aust) Pty Ltd
• Gratex International
• Insurance Box and SSP

ANZIIF Women’s Council Employer of the Year

• Allianz Australia
• Suncorp Group
• Swiss Re

Generation I Youth Development and Employer of the Year

• Aon
• BT Financial Group
• Sportscover

Small Broker of the Year

• Consult Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd
• Parmia Insurance
• Simplex Insurance Solutions

Medium Broker of the Year

• Planned Cover
• Roderick Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd
• Scott Winton Insurance Brokers

Large Broker of the Year

• Aon
• Marsh
• Willis Australia

Small – Medium General Insurance Company of the Year

• CommInsure
• National Transport Insurance (NTI)
• Westpac General Insurance Limited

Large General Insurance Company of the Year

• Allianz Australia
• Suncorp Group
• Zurich Australian Insurance Limited

Law Firm of the Year

• Barry.Nilsson. Lawyers
• DLA Piper
• HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

Life Insurance Company of the Year

• AIA Australia
• CommInsure
• MLC

The winners will be announced at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards in Sydney on 20 August 2014.

The post Finalists announced for 2014 Australian Insurance Industry Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.