Rising Stars in Insurance Melbourne

Anita Lane is a first-generation migrant from South America who arrived in Australia with her family with the hope of a better life; an opportunity for an education and a world filled of greater opportunities that did not exist in her home country.  Anita was lucky enough to take full advantage of all the prospects that Australia offered her throughout her younger years.

Anita started her insurance career as an Insurance Broker in Collins Street, Melbourne. It was 1996 – a time before the ease of online university, but Anita completed her Bachelor of Business degree at night school all while working full time. With certificate in hand, she promptly pursued her goal of working at the home of insurance, Lloyd’s of London. Having told her family, she was just going ‘on a vacation’ after her degree, Anita had secretly arranged a work visa for the UK and landed in London in May 1997 with no contacts, little money but a strong desire to work and be successful in the insurance market in London. Landing a ‘box girl’ role in Lloyd’s within the first week Anita grew to experience many different roles within her time in the UK.

After six years in London, Anita returned to Australia.  Her experience and exposure to the international marketplace provided her with solid opportunities to continue her insurance career in Australia.  Establishing the Southern Region office for a reputable underwriting agency in Australia and managing it for nine years gave Anita the experience, confidence, and the network to go out on her own in 2010.  Together with her business partner, Anita started Solution Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd with not a single policy or client. She has shaped and grown the business to what it is today – almost 60 employees, over four offices, four underwriting divisions with multiple products in each, and cemented binder relationships with acclaimed security partners.  Anita works within the business day to day and continues to hold strong relationships with both brokers nationally and with security partners that support the binders locally and in London.

Solution Underwriting Agency was recently acquired by CFC, who is a specialist MGA insurance provider, pioneer in emerging risk and market leader in cyber insurance. CFC are headquartered in London with over 1,100 employees and in 90 countries globally.  Anita will continue to lead the business as Managing Director.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Anita is excited about the future of the industry as it continues to evolve and broaden its landscape to encompass not just traditional broking and underwriting skill sets but also embracing the unique perspectives and skills of the emerging workforce. Anita has proven leadership skills, passionate about coaching dynamic people in the industry, a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, and higher education, completing her MBA in 2023.

Mike has had a long and rewarding career in insurance. He started what was to become a lifelong career after choosing to join Sun Alliance immediately after leaving school. Mike has worked in all facets of the insurance industry including general broking, claims, financial services and for the national industry association, NIBA.
 
Mike started his own business in 1999, McShane Business Services, which he grew consistently over eight years and then merged with Don McLardy & Associates in 2007 to create McLardy McShane. Mike continues to service a large number of clients, and although he has experience in all areas of business insurance, Mike has a particular expertise in the mobile plant, cranes and earthmoving industry.
 
Also a passionate Demons and Reach supporter and Board member, Mike is married to Christine and has three daughters – Emma, Georgia and Zoe.