NIBA member Beau Munn from Origin Insurance Brokers in Melbourne was announced the winner of the 2019 Valerie Baker Memorial Award at a special event hosted by Lloyd’s in Sydney.
Munn, a descendent of the Dagoman and Gurindji people From Katherine and Wave Hill region, is the executive director of Origin Insurance Brokers. As a young Aboriginal businessman who is passionate about his family heritage he wants to be a role model for other Indigenous youths looking for a corporate career in Australia.
NIBA CEO, Dallas Booth congratulated Beau and said, “I wish Beau, Belinda, Kim and Lisa all the best with their careers and look forward to the interesting things they will do professionally.”
The Valerie Baker Memorial Award recognises excellence in professional practice in the General Insurance Intermediary sector across Australia and New Zealand.
Sheila Baker, Managing Director Gold Seal and Chair of the judges said, “Beau thoroughly impressed the judges with his eloquence and passion to add value to his community. We are all excited to see what he brings back from London to help grow his business. I’d also like to recognise the finalists for their hard work and the success they have achieved in their careers to date.”
The other highly commended finalists were:
1. Belinda Smith
2. Kim Gilbert
3. Lisa Carter
Munn will receive a career enhancing opportunity to see first-hand how the London Market operates, including:
• Expenses-paid trip to London – business class air fares and accommodation
• An education experience tailored to the winner’s special interests
• Career enhancing meetings and networking with key underwriters and brokers
• Thorough familiarisation of Lloyd’s of London and meeting with senior managers.
Award nominations were shortlisted and the finalists interviewed by the judging panel. The panel consisted of Chris Mackinnon, General Representative Lloyd’s Australia, Jim Rudkin, Chairman of Steadfast Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd and Steadfast Underwriting Agencies Pty Ltd, representing the Steadfast Group, Martin McAvenna, representing the AIMS Group and Sheila Baker, Managing Director of Gold Seal, and also this year Rocco Pirrello, a 2018 finalist from GSA Insurance Brokers also participated.
The nominees were judged on criteria that centred around – ethics and values, business success, client relationships, teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry contribution.