The newly created role reflects Acclaim’s focus on expanding its distribution capability, deepening adviser relationships and supporting the next phase of growth under recently appointed CEO Julie Hamilton and COO Aimie West.

Mr Smith brings more than two decades of experience in financial services distribution, business development and adviser relationship management, having held senior leadership roles with ClearView Wealth and CommInsure. Throughout his career, he has built strong adviser partnerships, led high-performing distribution teams, and driven growth across competitive wealth and insurance markets. Most recently, Mr Smith established his own legal practice and brings a legal background and experience to the position.

Acclaim Wealth CEO, Julie Hamilton, said Mr Smith’s appointment reflected the company’s commitment to investing in adviser relationships and expanding its national distribution capability.

“We are entering an exciting period of growth and investment at Acclaim, and strengthening our distribution capability is a key part of that strategy. Tony brings a deep understanding of the adviser market, extensive industry relationships and a proven track record of building successful distribution businesses. His appointment reinforces our commitment to supporting advisers, growing our national presence and ensuring more advice practices can access the benefits of the Acclaim proposition.”

“As adviser expectations continue to evolve, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service, flexibility and support. Tony will play an important role in helping us scale those strengths while continuing to build meaningful partnerships across the advice community,” said Ms Hamilton.

Mr Smith will be responsible for leading Acclaim’s distribution strategy, adviser engagement initiatives and business development activities nationally, with a focus on supporting existing adviser relationships and identifying new growth opportunities.

Tony said he was excited to be joining Acclaim Wealth at an important stage in the company’s development.

“Acclaim has built a strong reputation for delivering service and solutions that help advisers meet the evolving needs of their clients. I’m excited to join at a time when there is significant opportunity to deepen existing adviser relationships and expand our distribution footprint. I look forward to working closely with our advisers, dealer groups and strategic partners to help drive the next phase of growth for Acclaim,” said Mr Smith.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice and was admitted as an Australian Lawyer in 2021. Alongside his extensive distribution and adviser relationship experience, his legal background provides additional insight into regulatory and governance issues impacting financial services businesses.

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Ben has held the position of Deputy President since 20 May 2021 and accepted the Presidency when Tim Plant stepped down at the end of his two-year term. “It is a privilege to be elected President of ANZIIF, an organisation that has a critical role to play across the Asia Pacific Region. I look forward to working with the Board and Management to ensure strategic objectives are achieved and to contribute toward the ongoing professionalism of the industry”, commented Bessell.

Prue Willsford, ANZIIF CEO paid tribute to Tim Plant, “Tim has been a gracious and insightful strategic leader on our board for two years now and has seen ANZIIF through significant transition periods. The support and expertise that Tim has brought to the board has been outstanding.”

During the year, ANZIIF also welcomed Hilary Bates, Chief Operating Officer of Zurich, to the ANZIIF board.

‘We are pleased to welcome Hilary to the ANZIIF Board,’ said Willsford.  ‘She brings with her a wealth of experience and will add significant value to ANZIIF and the insurance industry,’ added Willsford.

ANZIIF Past President Megan Beer retired from the ANZIIF Board at the AGM.

“We have been very fortunate to have had Megan on the ANZIIF Board since 2015. ANZIIF and the entire team have greatly benefited from Megan’s advice, knowledge, and over 25 years of industry experience.”

2023 ANZIIF Board

• Prue Willsford, Chief Executive Officer, ANZIIF
• Ben Bessell, (President), EGM Business Distribution, Austbrokers (AUB)
• Tim Plant (Immediate Past President), Chief Insurance and Strategy Officer, IAG
• Diego Ascani, Chief Executive Officer, Sedgwick Australia
• Hilary Bates, Chief Operating Officer, Life & Investments, Zurich
• Catherine Dixon, Executive General Manager, People Experience, Suncorp Group New Zealand
• Simone Dossetor, Chief Operating Officer, Insurtech Australia
• Brendan Dunne, Chief Customer and Operations Officer, Allianz Australia
• Fiona Hayes-St Clair, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, QBE
• Kimberley Jonsson, Chief Executive Officer, CHU Underwriting Agencies
• Scott Leney (Deputy President), Head of Risk Management, Asia & Pacific and Country Corporate Officer, Australia, Marsh & McLennan Companies
• John Lyon, Chief Executive Officer, Ando Insurance

ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford and Immediate Past President Tim Plant also recognised several award winners and members for their contribution to ANZIIF and the insurance industry.

Timothy Considine was awarded Honorary Life Membership for his long-term contribution and service to, and proactive influence within the insurance industry.

Tim has been a member of ANZIIF since 2006 and when the Insurance Broking Faculty Advisory Board was established in 2012 was asked to join and then went onto become Chair. Tim’s contribution as Chair of the Broking Faculty helped to solidify the establishment of the Faculty and promoted ANZIIF’s membership and education programs within the broking fraternity. It was also his desire to increase professionalism in the industry that drove his commitment to ANZIIF and assisted us to create our Membership Proposition.

In 2017 Tim was invited to join the ANZIIF Board as Chair of Chairs and during his tenure, his contribution on the Board was integral to the strategic direction of ANZIIF in maintaining relevance to the industry and our members.

The annual ANZIIF Service Award was presented to ANZIIF Fellow Tony Smith. Tony has been a member of ANZIIF since joining in 1982 and was invited to join the Reinsurance Faculty Advisory Board when it was established in 2012. His contribution over the years to ANZIIF has been essential to our success particularly as a Member of the Reinsurance Rendezvous Committee where he held the role of Chair.

The annual ANZIIF Service Award was presented to ANZIIF Fellow, Michael Cooke. Michael joined ANZIIF’s Claims Faculty Advisory Board in 2012 before retiring in 2022. During this time, he gave significant service to ANZIIF in a number of initiatives, particularly with the implementation of ANZIIF’s Skills Units. Michael was President of AICLA during part of this period, which allowed him to play an important role in the collaboration of the two organisations.

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