WINNER: Australian Brokerage of the Year

GT Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd

Glenn Thomas

Director

Glenn Thomas is the founder and Director of GT Insurance Brokers in Bendigo, bringing almost 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. His background includes time as an insurance broker and as a team member at one of Australia’s leading insurers, giving him valuable insight from both sides of the fence. Glenn is known for doing things a little differently − cutting through the noise to provide genuine, personalised advice. With a strong focus on customer experience, he’s built GT Insurance Brokers on the values of trust, clarity and care, helping clients feel confident and protected every step of the way.

Director

Glenn Thomas

facebook.com/gtib.com.au

@agileunderwriting

@agile_uw

As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

GT Insurance Brokers is a trusted, locally owned brokerage based in Bendigo, Victoria, with almost 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Founded by Glenn Thomas, the business has grown into a strong team of professionals committed to protecting what matters most to individuals, families and businesses. As a member of the Steadfast Group, GT Insurance Brokers offers access to exclusive policy wordings and tailored insurance solutions that include business, trades, landlord, home, motor, professional indemnity and more. What truly sets GT Insurance Brokers apart is its unwavering commitment to customer service. The team prides itself on being approachable, responsive and genuinely invested in helping clients understand their cover and make confident insurance decisions. Whether you’re looking for a full policy review, need assistance lodging a claim, or want a broker who’s in your corner, GT Insurance Brokers is here to help. Backed by industry knowledge and a passion for simplifying insurance, GT Insurance Brokers offers big-city service with a local touch − focused on building lasting relationships through trust, transparency and care.

James Makin

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Kristy Pownall is a senior professional who has operated at director level for over 15 years in the position of head of people and culture/HR director. She has multi-regional experience covering Australia, APAC, the UK, and Europe across a range of sectors, including professional services, media, technology and insurance. Pownall has enabled organisations to move through periods of rapid growth and change. Her area of expertise allows her to understand the importance of communication, connection and community in delivering successful business outcomes.

Head of People and Communications

Kristy Pownall

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Kristy Pownall

Head of People and Communications

James Makin is the CFO and COO at CHU. He has been with the company for over eight years and was previously head of commercial portfolio management at Zurich Australia. He has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. Makin has extensive experience in actuarial analytics across both life and general insurance in Australia and overseas.

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

James Makin

Steve Tchepak became the head of underwriting at CHU in June 2019. He has over 20 years of experience in strata management and strata insurance. He has held various positions within CHU, including commercial underwriting manager, team leader and NSW/ACT underwriting manager.

Head of Underwriting

Steve Tchepak

David Gow has over 30 years of experience in handling property, public liability, employers’ liability and motor third party or personal injury claims. Along with his extensive experience, he is a senior associate of ANZIIF and a chartered loss adjuster for AICLA. Gow’s previous role was head of property claims at QBE Insurance.

Head of Claims

David Gow

Anirudh Kakulapati is the CCO at CHU. He has rapidly progressed in his career since joining the insurance industry in 2008, relocating three times in pursuit of his goal to be an exceptional leader. His previous roles were head of distribution, head of customer service and state manager for QLD and NT for CHU.

Chief Customer Officer

Anirudh Kakulapati