The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has announced the recipients of its 2025 national awards during the annual Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony held on the Gold Coast on Oct. 21.
The event brought together insurance professionals from across Australia to recognise achievements in broking, underwriting, and insurer performance.
Caleb Richards of AgriRisk, part of Gallagher, has been named the 2025 National Broker of the Year.
This award, sponsored by CGU, is presented annually to an insurance broker who demonstrates a high standard of professionalism, ethical conduct, and dedication to client service.
Regional finalists from New South Wales/ACT, Queensland, South Australia/Northern Territory, Victoria/Tasmania, and Western Australia were considered for the national title.
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin acknowledged the contributions of all finalists.
“This year’s finalists brought a wealth of experience and diversity, elevating professionalism. Caleb, Charles, Debbie, Kate, and Martyn have all set a remarkably high standard for the broking profession. I want to thank the esteemed judging panel and congratulate Caleb and the finalists for highlighting that our brokers are future-ready, and our profession is in highly capable hands,” he said.
Damien Gallagher, executive general manager at CGU, commented on the partnership with NIBA.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with NIBA for the Broker of the Year award and showcase the achievements of senior brokers whose ambition is shaping change in our industry,” he said.
Other finalists for the award included:
The recognition is given to a broker under 35 who has shown commitment to professional development and client service. Finalists from each region competed for the national title.
Klipin noted the strength of the emerging talent.
“Seeing the calibre of this group instils great confidence in me about the future of our profession. They’ve combined exceptional client focus with a strong sense of community leadership. Thank you to our award judges, and congratulations to James, as well as Derek, Emily, Fabio, and Tom,” he said.
Anthony Pagano, head of distribution at Vero, added: “For 36 consecutive years, Vero has proudly championed the Young Broker of the Year Award, recognising the passion and promise of exceptional young brokers like James. He exemplifies everything this award stands for – his drive for professional growth, his client-first approach, and his unwavering commitment to community are truly inspiring.”
Finalists in this category included:
Liberty Specialty Markets was named Specialty Insurer of the Year, while NTI was recognised as Underwriting Agency of the Year.
Both awards are based on broker feedback collected through the NIBA Broker Market Survey, conducted in partnership with NielsenIQ. The survey is considered one of the most comprehensive studies of broker sentiment in the Australian insurance market.
Klipin emphasised the role of these awards in promoting strong broker-insurer relationships.
“NIBA is committed to strengthening professional relationships between brokers and insurers. The Insurer Awards are an important platform to benchmark and spotlight the top performers in the insurance sector,” he said.
Angela Carter, director of brand and media at NielsenIQ, said of Liberty Specialty Markets: “Liberty Specialty Markets embedded its strong corporate reputation of being a trusted partner that brokers are happy to recommend to others. They have shown resilience and a growth mindset, taking broker feedback on board to help shape change within the industry.”
On NTI’s performance, Carter said: “NTI stood out versus their competitors, particularly being good value for money and responsive to brokers, leading to high satisfaction. They have embraced a growth mindset, shaping change within the industry.”
Berkley Insurance Australia and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance were also finalists for Specialty Insurer of the Year, while Emergence Insurance and High Street Underwriting Agency were recognised in the underwriting agency category.
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Vero was awarded the title of Large General Insurer of the Year for 2025.
This award, which has a history of over 20 years, is also determined by broker feedback through the NIBA Broker Market Survey.
“Vero has demonstrated continued improvement in their perception of being seen as the most trusted partner for brokers as a large general insurer," Carter said. "They have taken feedback from past surveys to improve year on year, building stronger relationships with brokers and shaping change within the industry.”
Ron Smith, chairman of BJS Insurance Group, received the 2025 Lex McKeown Trophy.
The award is presented to a long-standing NIBA member who has made a significant contribution to the association and the broking profession.
NIBA president Nick Cook said: “Ron exemplifies what this honour stands for: service to the association, service to the profession, and service to people. We are proud to recognise his lifetime of leadership and the example he sets for all of us.”
Smith’s career in insurance began at age 16 and has included leadership roles at several organisations, including founding Concord Underwriting and serving as chairman of BJS Insurance Brokers. He has also been active in industry advocacy and mentoring.
