With a career spanning almost half a century in the Insurance Broking Industry, my journey has been full of challenges, opportunities, and always with a commitment to excellence. I have had the privilege of establishing and operating my own brokerage, an endeavour that not only tested my skills but also presented avenues for innovation and growth.
A pivotal aspect of my career involved designing and launching several Group Insurance Schemes for prominent industries, including the Insolvency Industry, Hospitality Industry, and Jewellers, to name just a few. This undertaking showcased my ability to tailor insurance solutions to the unique needs of diverse sectors, a skill that has been at the core of my client-focused approach.
My clientele is a testament to the breadth and depth of my industry involvement. Over the years, I have cultivated relationships with a diverse mix of large and medium-sized private clients, contributing to the richness and diversity of my professional experiences.
The ability to provide clients with specialised, tailored, and customised insurance programs has been a hallmark of my career. It's not just about policies; it's about understanding the unique challenges each client faces and crafting solutions that go beyond expectations.
Cultivating a culturally driven business has been instrumental in creating a foundation that empowers our team to deliver the highest level of professional expertise to our clients. This ethos extends beyond mere transactions; it shapes the way we operate, collaborate, and ultimately, how we serve our clients.
At the heart of our service is a robust Risk Management approach. We don't just offer insurance; we provide a comprehensive risk management service that allows our clients to rely on the programs we've tailored for them. This means not only protecting assets but ensuring the continuity of income streams in the face of major losses.
As I continue to evolve in this dynamic industry, my commitment remains to be a beacon of expertise, innovation, and client-focused service. The journey thus far has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion for delivering excellence in the world of insurance broking.
Chairman
With 35+ years experience in the insurance industry, I am privileged to be able to share my wealth of knowledge and experience with my clients and industry colleagues alike.
Starting my carer in insurance in 1981 in the claims department of Phoenix Prudential in Durban, South Africa I worked my way through underwriting and schemes business before being transferred to Johannesburg in 1984 and finally branching out into Insurance Broking in 1986 where I started my insurance broking career with a small independent suburban brokerage in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
I later moved into the Corporate Broking sector finally joining the Board of Directors at Lumley Insurance Brokers in 1992 followed by the appointment as Marketing Director, before joining Steve Lumley in Australia in 1995.
In 1996, I joined Finn Foster and Associates which later became Quattro Risk Services being an integral part of its growth from $5mil premium income to $65mil premium income over a 24 year period. Following a merger with IRS Steadfast in 2018, part of the Network Insurance Group, I had time to reflect what mattered most to me from a client relationship and business perspective and at the same time whilst keen to retain some of the history, co-founded Quattro Risk Solutions, now Ardent Insurance Solutions with my two co founding partners, Steve and Eliza.
Throughout my Broking career I have been fortunate to have had some wonderful mentors both personal and professional who have guided me and assisted in moulding and honing my skills in leadership and insurance requirements for an assortment of industries sectors ranging from Underground Mining, Aviation, Multinational Civil and Construction engineering through to National Retail and Property Development.
From an early stage in my career, I had a penchant towards business development enjoying the opportunity to work with business owners and managers in developing comprehensive and innovative ways for them to protect their businesses from risk through better understanding their ever changing appetite for risk as their business matured over time.
I am passionate about developing and enjoying long term relationships, to share my experience in business and life with others to assist and help them achieve their own growth and success by being an integral part of every one of their businesses, rather than just an advisor on the outside looking in. I have been part of the NIBA mentoring team for a number of years and enjoy sharing and learning from my experience in dealing with the industry’s future leaders.
Outside the office I enjoy collecting wine and the outdoors, playing golf, riding adventure and enduro motor bikes and love all water activities. I am privileged to be associated and honoured to be an ambassador for the Charity Challenge set up in 2003 and who now assist 17 separate independent charities throughout Australia.
Managing Director
I aim to ensure the right balance between coverage and cost is maintained for each and every client that I assist. All businesses face a range of risk exposures that can be avoided, reduced, transferred or retained. My role is to identify these options in context with your risk appetite and assist with placing insurance to transfer appropriate risks to your insurer.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the insurance industry for 17 years and during this time I have seen many changes. I've worked with clients ranging from sole traders to multi-national corporates, providing me with a wide range of experience and knowledge. This allows me to tailor an insurance program for any client with an emphasis on providing the correct coverage with value for money. I have a keen eye for process improvement to further enhance the customer experience.
I'm proud to have recently served as a committee member for the NSW NIBA Mentoring Program as well as being named an Elite Broker by Insurance Business Australia in 2018. I have achieved QPIB (Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker) status with NIBA, Senior Associate CIP status with ANZIIF, and have completed both my Diploma of Financial Services (Broking) and Diploma of Integrated Risk Management.
My personal interests include all types of motorsport, photography, football, hiking, camping and 4WDing, My greatest achievement is being the proud father of three.
Director
Throughout my insurance career I’ve had the opportunity to establish skills in most facets of the broking industry including claims management, personal insurance, small to medium business and corporate accounts. In my most recent role, prior to co-founding Ardent Insurance Solutions, I enjoyed the challenges of managing a portfolio comprising of ASX listed companies, Investment Funds, Lloyds specialty and international placements.
I'm passionate about my clients and their businesses, seeking to ensure my clients are armed with the knowledge to allow a collaborative approach to planning a comprehensive transfer of risk and risk management to meet their individual needs. I seek to develop strong and lasting relationships which allow me to work as 'one of the team', rather than just an ‘insurance advisor’.
As part of the Ardent Management team my focus revolves around developing and nurturing an organisation that not only strives to provide considered insurance solutions but is also driven by strong community connections and values.
As a lover of the outdoors, in my spare time you'll find me at the beach with my young family enjoying a swim and a good book.
Director
With over 30 years in the insurance industry, I’ve gained experience working in both the UK and Australia, focusing on commercial insurance, including specialising in the jewellery industry and childcare, risk management, property and casualty, professional risks, and claims handling. My goal has always been to help clients feel secure by offering practical solutions to their insurance needs.
I’m all about building relationships with my clients, making sure they know they can rely on me. I take pride in being that person they can trust to guide them through the often complex world of insurance.
I use my experience to take a close look at the unique challenges each client faces and work with them to solve problems and think ahead. Creating personalised strategies to help businesses stay protected, whether that’s managing commercial risks, professional risks, or making sure the claims process goes smoothly is important to me.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me walking our dog, enjoying a show or concert or socialising with friends. These are the things that help me relax and unwind.
I’m here to make insurance and risk management easier for my clients. I aim to be someone they can count on, offering clear and comprehensive insurance solutions that meet their needs.
Director
Throughout my 45 years in the Insurance Broking Industry, I have always involved myself in forming strong relationships with my clients.
Working in recent roles as General Manager has allowed me to bring the experience and knowledge of both General Broking and Management skills.
Assisting staff and creating an environment of positivity which then follows through to our clients is what I aim to achieve.
Director