AGENDA

• 8:15 AM

  Registration opens

• 9:00 AM

  Opening remarks from the chairperson

  

  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

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  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

• 9:05 AM

  Welcome Remarks from Event Partner

  

  Nick Harris

  Chief Executive Officer, Pacific
  Marsh

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  Nick Harris

  Chief Executive Officer, Pacific
  Marsh

  Nick Harris leads the Marsh business in Pacific, which encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In this role, Nick is responsible for all aspects of Marsh’s Pacific operations over 2,200 highly talented colleagues.

  Nick has more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, working in both insurance and broking across the United Kingdom and Australia.

  Prior to his appointment as CEO of Marsh Pacific, Nick was CEO of JLT Australia and New Zealand. Under Nick’s leadership, JLT established and developed Australia’s largest employee benefits consultancy and people risk service provider.

  Originally from the UK, Nick started his career in the Life market and as part of the leadership team that developed the largest online corporate benefits portal in the late 90’s. Moving to Australia in 2010, he has worked across many areas of insurance, with experience running the SME & Affinity, Sport, Specialty and Corporate practices.

  Sponsored by

  

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  Contact details:

  Marsh

• 9:10 AM

  OPENING KEYNOTE: Women leading the way – Inclusive decision-making

  Join Kimberley as she discusses how the willingness to be inclusive in your decision-making practices can transform you into a more effective leader. She will share her wins, challenges, and transformative decisions that helped her become the CEO, alongside a predominantly female leadership team. In this session, you will learn how to develop the framework to increase women in leadership – and how to empower others to do the same.

  

  Kimberley Jonsson

  CEO
  CHU Underwriting Agencies

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  Kimberley Jonsson

  CEO
  CHU Underwriting Agencies

  As one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialists, Kimberley Jonsson is CEO of CHU Underwriting Agencies.

  Kimberley joined the insurance industry in South Australia in 2005. She has worked across multiple jurisdictions and held various underwriting sales and management roles. Kimberley has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the strata insurance industry and the strata community.

  In 2017 Kimberley was named Young Insurance Professional of the Year at the Australian Insurance Industry Awards.

  In addition, Kimberley is a Fellow and Board Member of ANZIIF, she is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds an MBA from AIM Business School.

• 9:50 AM

  Speed networking

  Expand your network, make connections, and meet fellow delegates in a structured networking session.

  

  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

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  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

• 10:10 AM

  Morning tea and refreshment break

• 10:40 AM

  PANEL: Innovative diversity and inclusion strategies to drive organisational change

  While organisations have experienced significant changes to the way we work over the past few years, there is still a lot that needs to be done to overcome prevailing inequalities. In this session, hear how forward-thinking organisations are addressing key diversity challenges and what you can do as an individual to advocate for change.

  • How are organisations addressing the leadership and gender pay gap, and what can individuals do to reduce the gaps?
  • Navigating office politics, workplace conflict and other unspoken cultural rules
  • How to authentically celebrate diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging at work
  • Examples of inclusive hiring practices to ensure equal and diverse representation

  Moderator

  

  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

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  Sylvia Quang

  Partner, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and President, NSW, YIPs
  

  Panellists

  

  Gillian Davidson

  Partner
  Sparke Helmore

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  Gillian Davidson

  Partner
  Sparke Helmore

  As a senior partner and market leading expert specialising in general commercial insurance, Gillian leads the firm’s national liability team of more than 50 partners and lawyers. She advises many of the largest Australian and international insurers, The London Market, underwriting agencies, brokers, claims managers, TPA’s and insureds, and is particularly adept at handling large multi-party claims which require an additional layer of sensitivity and proactive response (including advising on Royal Commissions).
  Passionate about disruption and innovation, Gillian develops transformative solutions (in collaboration with her clients and industry) that respond to a rapidly evolving insurance environment. Gillian applies the same endless energy and enthusiasm to drive innovative diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategies within and outside the workplace and in the broader community. Looking beyond traditional definitions of diversity, Gillian seeks to remove structural barriers to support people of all identities and backgrounds, and mentors others to so the same.

  Gillian serves as a board member of Global Insurance Law Connect, a global network of independent insurance law firms. She chairs the Asia Pacific regional group. She has been a member of the firm’s Board and she chairs Sparke Helmore’s D&I Advisory Committee, which is responsible for oversight of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy. The firm’s (first and continuing) appointment as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality in 2018-2020 and 2021-23 and being named a Diversity Council Australia Inclusive Employer for 2019-20 and 2021-22 are just some of the successes of this strategy. Gillian also founded the Six Degrees network, which supports Sparke Helmore’s community of women through networking, leadership, mentoring and collaboration.

  Gillian is routinely recognised for her contribution to both D&I initiatives as well as her contribution to the Insurance Industry. In 2021 Chambers Asia Pacific awarded her Highly Commended in the D&I category and Insurance Business Australia named her as one of 42 Elite Women in Insurance in 2021. Gillian was also recognised as a winner of the Insurance Business 2022 Hot list award.

  Gillian has also sat on many charitable and NFP boards including schools, faith based organisations, aged care and medical research boards.

  

  Pierre De Villiers

  General Manager, People and Learning Centre of Excellence
  Allianz

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  Pierre De Villiers

  General Manager, People and Learning Centre of Excellence
  Allianz

  Currently in the role of General Manager, People & Learning Centre Of Expertise at Allianz Australia, Pierre started his career as a Chartered Accountant in South Africa, before working across various consulting and HR roles that have spanned the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, Canada, the USA and Australia.

  He is passionate about partnering with leaders to transform their organisations and bring out the full potential in all their people whilst deliver tangible impacts to the bottom line. Whilst working at Marsh, he was involved in both the ANZIIF People and Talent Development Advisory Council and was invited to the Women’s Council as its first male member.

  Pierre has long been an advocate for Gender Equality and has led teams that have won numerous awards for best practice in Diversity & Inclusion.

  A passionate mentor and connector of talent, those who know Pierre best are often subjected to his deep passion for Moustaches and Super Heroes, both in the movies and real life.

  

  Jo McCauley

  CEO
  Southern Cross Travel Insurance 

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  Jo McCauley

  CEO
  Southern Cross Travel Insurance 

  Jo McCauley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) in 2020 after three years in the business as Chief Customer Officer.

  With a career spanning over 20+ years in financial services in New Zealand and the UK, Jo brings to Southern Cross a diverse range of skills including strategic leadership and product marketing.

  Jo is the first female CEO within the Southern Cross insurance businesses and is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion at SCTI and also across the broader insurance industry.

  Jo has worked hard to drive even further diversity and inclusion within the workplace and is also a leading voice within the broader Southern Cross group championing diversity of thought at the most senior levels.

  Jo is a mum of four boys, five fur babies and is also a trustee of Greyhounds as Pets, a charity committed to rehoming ex-racing greyhounds across New Zealand.

  

  Sam White

  Founder and CEO
  Stella Insurance

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  Sam White

  Founder and CEO
  Stella Insurance

  Sam White is the multi-award-winning CEO of Freedom Services, an ever-expanding insurance business including Action 365, Pukka Insure and Freedom Brokers in the UK, and Stella Insurance in Australia.

  Having started her first company in 1999 aged just 24 in her sister’s conservatory, 22 years later she employs over 160 staff with offices in Cheadle, Cheshire, and Sydney, Australia with a turnover of over £14million.

  Sam cares passionately about diversity, equality, innovation and above all, making business human. Motivated by a desire to change the insurance industry for the better, Sam is a vocal advocate for levelling the playing field for women and championing female leaders within the industry.

  In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, Sam is a regular business commentator in media and have been seen discussing current business affairs on BBC’s Wake Up to Money and Ian King Live on Sky News. She also hosts her own podcast “Human Business with Sam White” where she candidly discusses successes and failures with fellow business owners.

• 11:40 AM

  Session details TBC

  Upskilling in tech: Embracing innovation and digital transformation
  Innovation is essential for the insurance industry to evolve but what will it take to drive digital transformation? This session will discuss how the latest technology is transforming the industry and how leaders can adapt and drive change.

  • What technological changes will insurance companies and their leaders need to embrace to be successful?
  • How has innovation influenced your leadership principles?
  • Skill development – how can we support innovation through upskilling?
  • Leveraging innovation to progress diversity, inclusion and equity for employees

  

  Kelly Butler

  Chief Client Officer, Pacific
  Marsh

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  Kelly Butler

  Chief Client Officer, Pacific
  Marsh

  Kelly Butler is the Chief Client Officer and Executive Chair of Cyber Risk for Marsh in the Pacific. In addition, Kelly also serves as the senior cyber risk advisor for some of Marsh’s largest clients and sits on the Marsh global Cyber board.   

  Kelly’s insurance career has spanned over 24 years. In 2016 Kelly joined Marsh to establish our market leading Cyber broking practice. Prior to joining Marsh, Kelly worked on all sides of the insurance industry including working with leading global insurers in claims management handling complex casualty, professional indemnity and director and officers matters, crisis management and financial lines broking. 

  Kelly is a passionate professional, a strong leader and carries a respected voice in our industry. She is also a champion for clients’ needs, educating insurers, clients and brokers on business risks and customising coverage to manage specific challenges across all industry verticals. 

• 12:10 PM

  Networking lunch

• 1:10 PM

  PANEL: Standing out from the crowd with your personal brand

  Every insurance leader needs a strong personal brand that evolves as you advance in your career. It’s a matter of continually crafting and curating the skills and experience to bring out the best version of yourself. In this session, a panel of industry leaders will share advice on how to best articulate your personal brand and how it can be the key differentiator in your career.

  • How to make a strong, lasting impression – from the office, in the boardroom, or on a Zoom call
  • Improving your digital footprint: leveraging popular social platforms like LinkedIn to market and build your brand
  • Tips for engaging internal sponsors to be your advocates
  • Using your everyday creativity to help you emerge as an authentic leader

  Moderator

  

  Drew Schnehage

  Managing Director – Australia
  Innovation Group

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  Drew Schnehage

  Managing Director – Australia
  Innovation Group

  Drew has 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry in South Africa. Her first insurance job was in claims, and she worked for two insurers and a broker before joining a third-party administrator. She has a strong focus on building and strengthening client relationships and has built and grown two business from ground-up.

  Drew thrives in innovative and entrepreneurial environments, leads by example, and believe that hard work pays off. Drew is always willing to have open and honest conversations with her teams and staff. She upholds that nurturing and building highly effective teams helps you to be successful and that being honest establishes a sense of trust with your team.

  She became a director at the age of 32 and soon after joined an Underwriting Agency to develop a new niche insurance product for high-net worth individuals. In 2008, she was offered the opportunity to start an Underwriting Agency to grow the first ever high-net worth portfolio, which had never been done before in South Africa.

  In 2016, her team won the Underwriting Agency of the Year award. After 7 years she sold her Underwriting Agency to Hollard Insurance in South Africa and joined their personal lines division to assist with the development of their new personal lines’ product offering. After 2 years Drew was head-hunted to join Innovation Group in South Africa as Commercial Director.

  Uprooting herself to try and build a struggling business back up where nobody knew her was the challenge that Drew accepted in 2019. This move saw her leave the South African unit of Insurtech and third-party administrator (TPA) Innovation Group to lead the Australian operations in her capacity as managing director.

  Panellists

  

  Lelani Jayasinghe

  Chief Financial Officer
  Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance

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  Lelani Jayasinghe

  Chief Financial Officer
  Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance

  Lelani has been leading the Finance Department of Adica Insurance as CFO since 2014. A professionally qualified accountant with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, she is an expert in her field and an experienced leader who has successfully guided companies through change and set up new entities, both within the insurance industry and outside it.

  Starting as an Assistant Accountant in 1998, Lelani quickly moved into more senior accounting roles and gained experience with various insurance companies before moving to Adica Insurance in 2008, where she held the roles of Senior Management Accountant and Financial Controller before being appointed CFO.

  An active member of the insurance community, Lelani is a Board member of the Financial Services Accountants Association and has lent her expertise as a CPA examination marker for 12 years. She can even discuss accounting and financial management in Sinhala, having moved to Australia from Sri Lanka at age 14.

  Lelani is passionate about helping achieve an inclusive culture and diverse workforce to drive organisational success and has played a central role in growing the Adica business from just 30 staff to a thriving small insurer with over 200 employees.

  

  Kylie Macfarlane

  Chief Operating Officer
  Insurance Council of Australia

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  Kylie Macfarlane

  Chief Operating Officer
  Insurance Council of Australia

  Kylie is the Chief Operating Officer of the Insurance Council of Australia having joined in September 2020 with a mandate to support the incoming CEO to reset and refresh the ICA strategy. Kylie’s other responsibilities include leading a diverse team across Human Resources, data management, and the ICA’s role working with all levels of government and other stakeholders on resilience, mitigation and the impacts of climate change on the built environment. Importantly, Kylie and her team have responsibility for co-ordinating the response and recovery efforts of the Insurance industry to severe weather events.

  Kylie has held executive and non-executive positions in financial services over the past 25 years and is dedicated to optimising public and private sector responses to rapidly changing environmental context with a focus on strategy, governance, innovation and value creation.

  Over the past eight years she has been at the forefront of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG), setting standards in organisational reporting conventions on climate, and developing multi-stakeholder approaches to social impact investment that are focused on producing shared outcomes and embed social license.

  

  Tetiana George

  CEO and Co-Founder
  Curium

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  Tetiana George

  CEO and Co-Founder
  Curium

  Tetiana is an unconventional creator in the insurance industry understanding the core values of technical excellence while building “new” customer expectations of instant everything. Having lived in seven countries and worked in over 20, Tetiana brings together best in class global experience and practical innovation to solve traditional problems. As part of global management consulting firms, the Boston Consulting Group and Oliver Wyman, Tetiana has advised major insurers across Europe, Asia and Australia.

  Since 2018 Tetiana is an insurance practitioner, first as part of Blue Zebra Insurance Strategy & Claims and now as a founder of Curium, a regtech and claimstech company. Tetiana believes in smart automation and brining the next gen of technology into insurance.

  

  Fiona Bounias

  General Manager Member Engagement & Innovation
  TAL

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  Fiona Bounias

  General Manager Member Engagement & Innovation
  TAL

  Fiona Bounias is Head of Member Engagement at TAL, Australia’s leading life insurer. With 25 years of experience across the financial services, health and energy industries, Fiona has developed a deep understanding of Australian consumers needs and expectations gained through a variety of roles spanning customer service and experience design, research and insights, innovation, and transformation.

  Since joining TAL in 2005, Fiona has held several senior leadership roles that have enabled her to drive improvements in the life insurance customer experience and support TAL’s business partners across all life insurance distribution channels. She has significant understanding of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and is passionate about leveraging data and innovation principles to solve real world problems.

  In her current role, Fiona supports TAL’s superannuation fund partners in accessing industry-leading propositions and helping them consider their member engagement strategies, leading multi-functional teams that include underwriting and operations, data and innovation, and member engagement and communications.

  Fiona is passionate about workplace gender diversity, is a devoted mum and wife, and a judge for FinTech Australia’s annual awards ‘The Finnies’.

• 2:10 PM

  Embracing risk-taking career decisions

  Staying in your comfort zone can be the biggest obstacle to achieving success in your career path. How can you embrace change, challenge yourself and take that next step in your career? Hear how Demetra has taken on new challenges and opportunities to advance her career and skill development.

  

  Demetra Day

  Head of Distribution ANZ
  Chubb

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  Demetra Day

  Head of Distribution ANZ
  Chubb

  Demetra Day was recently announced as the Head of Distribution for Australia and New Zealand. She is responsible for the implementation of Chubb’s distribution strategy across broker channels for all States in Australia and in New Zealand. This includes supporting the implementation of product-specific strategy and initiatives; and operational leadership across all aspects of Chubb’s business. The role entails leading the team in establishing new relationships, developing existing relationships, executing plans, and the identification of new growth opportunities.

  In her most recent position as Head of Major Accounts for Australia and New Zealand, Demetra successfully built the division from scratch in 2019, crafting a unique market position and distinguishing Chubb as the preeminent insurer for large global and domestic corporations. While doing so, Demetra developed a strong and diverse team to drive Chubb’s value proposition in this highly successful segment, by delivering crafted solutions encompassing underwriting, claims, and risk engineering.

  Demetra has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry predominantly in Financial Lines underwriting and managerial roles in Australia and the Asia Pacific, including leading the Australian and New Zealand Financial Lines team through integration after ACE’s acquisition of Chubb in January 2016.

  She has held a non-executive director position in a private company and is passionate about using her skills to help mentor professionals in the workforce.

• 2:50 PM

  Afternoon tea and refreshment break

• 3:20 PM

  Dealing with mental wellbeing at an executive-level

  Managers and executives are at the forefront of a rapidly changing workplace, experiencing high stress levels that are often ignored. Creating a culture of prioritising mental health can begin with empathetic and supportive leaders. Hear how [speaker] has learned to lead by example with self-care and prioritising mental wellbeing.

  

  Dr. Sally Phillips

  Head of Health Services, Life & Investments
  Zurich Financial Services Australia

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  Dr. Sally Phillips

  Head of Health Services, Life & Investments
  Zurich Financial Services Australia

  Dr. Sally Phillips is the Head of Health Services for Zurich’s Life & Investments business in Australia. In this role, Dr. Phillips leads the delivery of integrated health services to our customers, with a focus on the complete health journey across the pillars of physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.

  Previously, Dr. Phillips was Chief Product and Proposition Officer for Zurich LiveWell and was responsible for leading a customer-first approach to product development and maintenance, as well as leading the LiveWell proposition. Prior to this, Dr. Phillips held the position of General Manager Health Services at TAL Life.

  Originally qualifying as a medical doctor, Dr. Phillips has more than 20 years of experience in the life, general, and health insurance industries across the South African, UK, and Australian markets. She has held senior roles in building and leading product development, proposition, and underwriting and claims services. She also has experience in the development and delivery of marketing, communications, and proposition strategies.

  Dr. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Bachelor of Science (Honours), and Bachelor of Science from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

   

• 3:50 PM

  PANEL: Managing a high-performance team

  Building and sustaining an engaged and motivated team can be challenging in today’s uncertain climate and changing work environments. How can leaders develop a strong organisational culture to ensure their teams remain connected and productive? In this session, industry leaders will discuss how to create a collaborative and respectful culture, from building the business, to how it’s maintained through connectivity and mentoring.

  • The future of work: Is remote working the new norm?
  • What does culture, recognition, development and performance look like in a hybrid workforce?
  • How does a flexible work policy affect team retention and recruitment?

  Moderator

  

  Danni Robson

  Head of Product
  Arnie

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  Danni Robson

  Head of Product
  Arnie

  Danni leads a high-performing, expert team Yarris Technologies’ as Head of Product for Arnie, Claims Management Platform.
  Danni’s formal education in Business, Insurance, Business Analysis and Leadership has paved a path in Insurance from a young age.
  Her passion lies in leading change from the back of the pack through thought-leadership, nurturing relationships and bringing diverse minds together.

  Panellists

  

  Kathleen Warden

  Head of Customer & Broker Engagement
  Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

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  Kathleen Warden

  Head of Customer & Broker Engagement
  Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

  Kathleen Warden is Head of Customer and Broker Engagement, Australasia at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance. She has been in the insurance industry for 15 years including Underwriting roles in D&O and Financial Institutions as well as State Manager (underwriting) across multiple lines. Kat holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University. She is passionate about how company culture and engagement can improve decision making and wellbeing.

  

  Prue Willsford

  CEO
  ANZIIF

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  Prue Willsford

  CEO
  ANZIIF

  Prue attended the Queensland University of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws. Prior to her appointment as ANZIIF CEO, she was the General Manager, Corporate Operations at State Trustees, a role which included the oversight of Finance, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Investments in a highly complex, medium size financial services company.

  She has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services sector, including management accounting at Macquarie Bank and policy development at Investment Funds and Superannuation Association.

  She has also held leadership roles in financial services product development, marketing and operations at Colonial Mutual and National Australia Bank. Prue was the Deputy Chancellor of Victoria University and the Chairman of the Resources Committee and is currently a Board member at Citywide Service Solutions.

  

  Noeline Anandaras

  Executive Manager – Digital Integration Services
  IAG

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  Noeline Anandaras

  Executive Manager – Digital Integration Services
  IAG

  Noeline Anandaras is a seasoned technology leader with a wealth of global experience across multiple sectors including Retail, Telecom, Financial, Insurance and Technology. Last year Noeline joined IAG as Executive manager for Integration Services to lead a digital transformation program to establish key capabilities in Integration technologies. Prior to IAG, Noeline led a digital transformation for the Virgin Frequent Flyer business setting up capabilities in mobile, web and integration.

  Noeline’s experience spans various technology solutions focusing on future proofing organisations through Digital transformation. She is passionate about leveraging talent, capabilities and to build customer centric mindset to enable organisations to keep up with emerging trends in technologies.

  

  Claire Keating

  Head of Human Resources Asia Pacific
  Berkley Insurance Company

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  Claire Keating

  Head of Human Resources Asia Pacific
  Berkley Insurance Company

  Claire has travelled round the world and through sales, operations and corporate development in media and insurance to arrive as Head of Human Resources at Berkley AsiaPac. Along the way Claire has; sold advertising, negotiated an enterprise agreement, implemented change, and been involved in hiring hundreds of people. Always fascinated by what happens wherever people are involved and how to enable them do the best they can in every situation. Claire has qualifications in Economics and Organisational Change and is MBTI certified. Claire has 3 adult children and swims all year round in the early morning in the ocean and at Wylie’s baths in Coogee.

• 4:45 PM

  Networking drinks

  Sponsored by

  

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  Brooklyn Underwriting is a specialist underwriting agency offering customised, market-specific insurance solutions. Our products are managed by an experienced underwriting team, all with wide-ranging expertise across SME Property, Casualty, Financial Lines, and Specialty. All Brooklyn claims are managed in house by our Australia based specialists, ensuring superior service for clients when they need it most.

  Contact details:

  Brooklyn Underwriting

  brooklynunderwriting.com.au

• 5:45 PM

  Event concludes