Award Winners of 2005
Life Insurance Company of the Year
CommInsure
As the largest risk insurer in Australia serving over 2 million clients, and with a proud heritage spanning over 130 years, CommInsure impressed judges with its dedication in making insurance accessible to all Australians, its fresh approach to personal risk insurance and its culture of innovation to be awarded the Life Insurance Company of the Year.
General Insurance Company of the Year
Insurance Australia Group (IAG)
A leader with flexibility and strength, IAG wowed judges with its strong financial standing, winning innovative streak and commitment to high quality customer service. It has evolved from a motor dominated company to a fully diversified general insurer, capturing significant revenue streams and admirers because of its social commitments.
Technological Innovation of the Year
Freemans Loss Adjusters -Satellite Imagery and Geographic Information System
In its drive to expand and evaluate new tools and procedures to further improve and become more efficient with its loss adjusting services throughout Australia, Freemans Loss Adjusters impressed judges with its revolutionary Satellite Imagery and Geographic Information (SIGI) System – a system that provides an unparalleled advantage to the insurance industry, claims processing, planning, investigation and risk management.
Law Firm of the Year
Phillips Fox
For its dedication and leadership in the insurance industry, and commitment to delivering cost effective legal services that meet the needs of its insurance clients, Phillips Fox was awarded Law Firm of the Year for the second consecutive year. Judges were impressed with the company's exemplary commitment to educating the industry through its seminars and publications as well as its embracing of technology to improve service efficiency and lower the cost of claims.
Service Provider of the Year
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia
For the second consecutive year, PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia has been named Service Provider of the Year, a testament to the company's credibility, adaptability and dedication in Australia and New Zealand . Judges were impressed by the company's quick response in helping clients affected by the Asian Tsunami last year as well as its commitment to raising the bar of excellence.
Risk Manager of the Year
Guild Risk Services
With a culture founded on the belief that vigilant and researched risk management improves the understanding of exposures, Guild Risk Services was chosen Risk Manager of the Year for its commitment to increasing the awareness and understanding of risk management both internally within the Guild Group and externally to the Group's large network of clients.
Broker of the Year
Aon
With its razor sharp focus on its customers, and dedication to providing clients with solutions that meet their complex needs, Aon shone as the Broker of the Year. Aon has exemplified its client focus and profitable business structure in creating solutions to alleviate what were substantial community, insurance industry, and public policy issues in the Not-For-Profit and Healthcare sectors. Its significant achievements are largely due to its deep client industry understanding, insurance market knowledge and focus.
Reinsurance Company of the Year
Munich Re
Being awarded Reinsurance Company of the Year is the icing on Munich Re's birthday cake as it celebrates 50 years of service to the Australian and New Zealand Life and Non Life insurance markets this year. Judges were impressed by the German reinsurer's ability to think and act globally, while developing local solutions for its client circle.
Loss Adjuster of the Year
GAB Robins New Zealand
Winning the title for the second consecutive year, GAB Robins New Zealand has kept its place, riding high above the rest. GAB Robins New Zealand continues to lead with its best practice guidelines as it listens and adapts to the needs of its clients.
Premium Funder of the Year
Pacific Premium Funding
Pacific Premium Funding's proverbial rags to riches story wowed judges to take the Premium Funder of the Year award. The company scored with its in-depth understanding of the competitive premium fund market and its innovative solutions that have revolutionised the industry during its short history.
Services to the Community Award
AMI Insurance
For its unflagging commitment to community service, AMI Insurance clinched the Services to the Community Award. Judges were impressed by the company's keen social commitment demonstrated through its concept of the “Circle of Mutual Benefit” whereby value is returned to customers and the public alike through a broad spectrum of community support initiatives.
Insurance Personality of the Year
Mr Michael Wilkins
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Promina Group
Highly regarded for his honesty, integrity, and professional standards, Mr Michael Wilkins, Managing Director and CEO of Promina Group is also a much sought after speaker in the insurance industry due to his innate ability to present complex concepts with insight and simplicity. His directive of embracing a corporate strategy of specialization and focus to ensure stability and growth for Promina has resulted in significant shareholder returns and customer satisfaction.
