FEATURED WINNER
GT Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd
“I had a picture of a house, and the house was Premiere Mortgage Centre”
Kerri Reed,
Premiere Mortgage Centre
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EXCELLENCE AWARDEE:
Underwriting Agency of the Year
EXCELLENCE AWARDEE:
Underwriting Agency of the Year
www.gtinsurancebrokers.com.au
linkedin.com/company/gt-insurance-brokers
hello@gtib.com.au
04 0902 2535
Williamson Street, Bendigo Vic 3550
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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
Robin Barham
Leadership
1188 Whakue St, Rotorua Central, Rotorua
Ben Webster
Co-founder and Head of Product
Leadership
Nick Goritsas is a seasoned insurance executive with over 30 years in the field, focusing on operational and financial improvements. He previously served as CFO and head of risk management at W.R. Berkley Insurance Australia and was the founding CFO at DUAL Australia. As the APRA Alternate Agent in Australia for W.R. Berkley, Nick brought an extra layer of compliance and risk mitigation to the table. His proficiency in finance and risk management provides AGILE with a strategic advantage in these critical areas.
Co-founder and Group CFO
Nick Goritsas
Robin Barham brings over 30 years of industry experience to AGILE, having honed his skills at Lloyd’s Syndicates in London and Australia. Starting out in Marine and Aerospace underwriting, he later assumed management roles focusing on A&H, Property, Casualty and Financial Lines. His former positions include underwriting manager at Catlin Australia, regional director at Arch Underwriting at Lloyd’s (Australia), and MD at StarStone Underwriting Australia. Robin’s extensive background adds unparalleled underwriting expertise to AGILE’s leadership team.
Co-founder and CEO
Robin Barham
Robin Barham brings over 30 years of industry experience to AGILE, having honed his skills at Lloyd’s Syndicates in London and Australia. Starting out in Marine and Aerospace underwriting, he later assumed management roles focusing on A&H, Property, Casualty and Financial Lines. His former positions include underwriting manager at Catlin Australia, regional director at Arch Underwriting at Lloyd’s (Australia), and MD at StarStone Underwriting Australia. Robin’s extensive background adds unparalleled underwriting expertise to AGILE’s leadership team.
Co-founder and CEO
Robin Barham
@agile_uw
Robin Barham
Co-founder and CEO
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.
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Bellbird Park State Secondary College (BPSSC) prides itself on providing an innovative and inclusive education experience for all learners. Our college is extraordinary because of the incredible students, parents, community partners and staff who bring it to life each day. Since opening in 2017 with 212 Year 7 students and 31 staff, the school has been on a rapid journey of student growth and staff recruitment. BPSSC now has an enrolment of 1,800 students and 150+ staff members. Located in the aspirational, multiculturally rich Ipswich community (ICSEA 953), we’re exceptionally proud to be the school of choice in our community.
At BPSSC, we’re committed to supporting the success and wellbeing of every student as they transition through each stage of learning through our high-expectations, high-support approach. In 2023, 175 First Nations students are connected and thriving at our college. Our Many Pathways, No Limits mantra extends to all students, and we provide tailored differentiated, culturally appropriate educational opportunities for our First Nations students. Our approach to First Nations education is extensive, multifaceted and a whole-school effort effecting positive systematic change and outcomes for our students.
Nick Goritsas
Co-founder and Group CFO
Co-founder and CEO
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
Ben Webster
Co-founder and Head of Product
Nick Goritsas is a seasoned insurance executive with over 30 years in the field, focusing on operational and financial improvements. He previously served as CFO and head of risk management at W.R. Berkley Insurance Australia and was the founding CFO at DUAL Australia. As the APRA Alternate Agent in Australia for W.R. Berkley, Nick brought an extra layer of compliance and risk mitigation to the table. His proficiency in finance and risk management provides AGILE with a strategic advantage in these critical areas.
Co-founder and Group CFO
Nick Goritsas
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
Chris Meaker has over 21 years of experience in the finance industry with a focus on lending, business development and sales management. Prior to joining Brighten, he worked for La Trobe Financial, where he was an Executive General Manager and Head of Origination Channels. Previously, he worked for Pepper Financial Services Group as State Manager and Senior Business Development Manager.
Head of Distribution
Chris Meaker
Nick Goritsas is a seasoned insurance executive with over 30 years in the field, focusing on operational and financial improvements. He previously served as CFO and head of risk management at W.R. Berkley Insurance Australia and was the founding CFO at DUAL Australia. As the APRA Alternate Agent in Australia for W.R. Berkley, Nick brought an extra layer of compliance and risk mitigation to the table. His proficiency in finance and risk management provides AGILE with a strategic advantage in these critical areas.
Co-founder and Group CFO
Nick Goritsas
EVENT PARTNER
EVENT PARTNER
EVENT PARTNER
Kristy Pownall
Head of People and Communications
Jane Wang
Operations Manager
Nick Goritsas
Co-founder and Group CFO
MHIA Leadership Team
Co-founder and Head
of Product
Ben McInnes
Managing Director
James Makin
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Nick Goritsas
Co-founder and Group CFO
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
Kimberley Jonsson was appointed the CEO of CHU in 2020 after a 15-year career with the company. This extensive experience means Jonsson is recognised as one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialists and is often called upon by both the strata and insurance sectors to present on various topics affecting the industry. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is both a fellow and board member for ANZIIF. Jonsson holds an MBA from AIM Business School.
Chief Executive Officer
Kimberley Jonsson
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
Kimberley Jonsson was appointed the CEO of CHU in 2020 after a 15-year career with the company. This extensive experience means Jonsson is recognised as one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialists and is often called upon by both the strata and insurance sectors to present on various topics affecting the industry. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is both a fellow and board member for ANZIIF. Jonsson holds an MBA from AIM Business School.
Chief Executive Officer
Kimberley Jonsson
As the Managing Director of MHIA, Ben Mcinnes understands that people form the heart of any successful business. With over 16 years of experience working and leading in the home insurance industry, Ben focuses on supporting and developing hardworking people. Thanks to his leadership and encouragement, MHIA has quickly developed a reputation among homeowners as the go-to land lease insurance specialists.
Managing Director
Ben McInnes
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
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