Generation i Council

The Generation i Council meets to discuss issues affecting young professionals in insurance and to assist ANZIIF to best meet the needs of the next generation of insurance leaders.

  • Ross Preston

    Chair

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    Ross Preston

    ANZIIF (Snr Assoc), BA, Dip Ed, Diploma of Insurance Broking
    Project Manager
    Willis Towers Watson

    Ross moved into the insurance industry straight after completing his studies at university and has developed his skills and knowledge in insurance broking and placement for over three years. Starting his career at a boutique broking house in 2011 before moving to Marsh in 2013, he has had great exposure to complex and high value risks, in both local and foreign markets.

    At university he was involved in the running of a student mentor program – something he is quite keen to continue in the Industry. He believes young professionals can gain valuable insights from industry veterans to develop their skills and knowledge and become future industry leaders.

    Ross’ current role involves providing coordination, management oversight and execution of all phases of insurance due diligence, insurance placement and stewardship on behalf of private equity and/or corporate clients, for infrastructure PPP and domestic M&A activity.

    Ross is a strong advocate of ANZIIF and has been the Chair of ANZIIF Generation I Council since 2012, a member of the ANZIIF Risk Management Faculty Advisory Board at the beginning of 2016 and also completed the ANZIIF Diploma of Insurance Broking.  

  • Brodie English

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    Brodie English

    ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP
    Underwriter
    QBE Insurance (Australia)

    Commenced insurance career in 2008 with QBE as a business support officer in our Harrington Street office in 'The Rocks' Sydney aligned to the International Broker division, after settling into the role I began ANZIIF studies to enhance my career prospects. Within 12 months of commencing my studies I moved into an Assistant Underwriting role within the Australian Intermediaries division and after completing my Certificate IV in General Insurance and moving on to the Diploma I was promoted to an Underwriting position within the same division.

    In mid 2013 I completed the 3 month Mentor program (as a mentee) and found the experience to be extremely valuable and have encouraged many of my colleagues to participate.

    I have since completed my Diploma of General Insurance with the Institute and due to commence further tertiary studies through the Deakin University Masters of Insurance and Risk Management Program.

    Studying with the Institute has provided the necessary tools and recognition to advance my career in the industry without which I would not be where I am today and as such my reason for joining the Generation I Council is to help support and influence the next generation of industry entrants.

  • Jarrod De Pont

    Jarrod De Pont

    Jarrod De Pont

    BA/BCom
    ANZIIF (Senior Assoc)
    Broker
    Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited

    Jarrod has been in the New Zealand insurance market since 2003. Working for Vero Insurance in Auckland, Jarrod gained experience through their National Sales and Claims teams, as well as commercial underwriting in Vero’s Tauranga office. 

    In early 2012, Jarrod left Vero to travel, and in early 2013, returned back into the New Zealand market working for Crombie Lockwood as a commercial broker. He is an ANZIIF Senior Associate and also graduated from the University of Auckland with a BA/BCom in 2009.

  • Jessica Wisniewski

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    Jessica Wisniewski

    ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP
    Manager, Insurance Literacy & Engagement
    IAG

    Renowned for being both a talented entrepreneur as well as an intrapreneur, Jess has a passion for Human Centred Design, social change and disruptive innovation.

    Jess has a wealth of experience ranging from developing a large successful outdoor fitness company which included being a coach and mentor to thousands of individuals; her medical background as a nurse and her corporate career.

    Through her personal injury and general insurance experience Jess learnt the importance of empathy in the insurance industry.  Jess continually leads the way in not only high quality customer experiences, but also innovation to be a driving positive change across insurance businesses as well as wider communities.

  • Kara Taylor

    Kara Taylor

    Kara Taylor

    ANZIIF (Senior Assoc)
    Improvement Delivery Lead Operational Improvement - Direct Insurance
    IAG

    Kara is Senior Customer Service Professional with experience in General Insurance, Claims Management, Underwriting, Operational Leadership, Account Management and sales. Kara’s current role as an Improvement delivery lead within DI has allowed her to fully utilise her 10 years insurance experience to drive multiple process improvements across the business. 

    Kara is self-motivated and results driven. She has the ability to work under pressure and still achieve successful outcomes for customers.  Kara is a team player and consciously works hard to ensure the company’s success.

  • Rhys Pearce

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    Rhys Pearce

    ANZIIF (Snr Assoc) CIP
    Senior Account Executive
    KBI Pty Ltd

    Having previously worked in several industry sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, import, wholesale and distribution, Rhys began his insurance career in 2009 with CGU Insurance.

    With working experience in claims handling and underwriting of Commercial, Rural and Domestic Insurance he then tackled a Business Development Manager role - working with all products distributed by CGU. 

    Rhys is now broadening his knowledge of the insurance industry as an Insurance Broker with KBI Pty Ltd and is enjoying the challenge of developing customised risk management solutions for his clients.

  • Tim Kasem

    Tim Kasem

    Tim Kasem

    LLB BBus
    ANZIIF (Aff)
    Account Manager - Liability
    Proclaim Pty Ltd

    Tim Kasem completed his Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Business degree in 2011. Whilst undertaking his university studies, he worked as a Legal Clerk primarily in the area of Workers Compensation and Public Liability. After graduating from university, Tim commenced his legal traineeship at the College of Law and was then admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of Victoria in August 2012. 

    In March 2013, Tim joined Ansvar Insurance Limited’s Liability Claims Team as a Claims Consultant. Tim administers a mixed portfolio of liability matters ranging from Personal Accident, General Public Liability, Employment Practices Liability and Professional Indemnity claims. 

    Tim enjoys having the ability to make direct contact with the Client’s and Brokers that he deals with to bring an effective and efficient claims service. He aspires to grow and have a fulfilling career in insurance particularly to provide risk solutions to his client base. 

    Tim says: 

    ‘Young professionals working in insurance have great potential to explore the many difference facets of the insurance industry. The business of insurance requires people from many difference disciplines and walks of life which means we have a goldfield of knowledge to learn from’.