Why did you get into insurance?
Just after I was accepted in the Royal Australian Naval College I broke my shoulder playing rugby so had to wait 12 months until it had repaired to start my training. My mother "advised" me that sitting around at home for a year wasn't an option so I joined National Marine Insurance Agency in Sydney.
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words?
Challenging, Diverse, Valuable.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
As a Marino we see some weird and wonderful things. One of my favourites is probably the Melbourne Cup, or the horses themselves...
How would you change the industry?
I personally think that the most important part of our industry is the people. I would like to see more effort put into recruiting and developing talented young people who will help to grow the culture and capabilities of our industry.
What’s the most important thing brokers and insurers can do to improve their relationship?
I think honest, clear and open communication is key to maintaining a great relationship.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Think before you speak... listen more than you talk...
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
Try to fix budgetary spending, particularly around indigenous Australians, teachers and health/childcare workers.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Joining the amazing team at
Berkshire Hathaway.
What’s your favoured style of coffee?
The Espresso Martini kind...
Union, league, soccer or other?
Union, the only kind of rugby.
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Anthony Bourdain - Because he has seen the world, dined in amazing places and met amazing people.
Robert Downey Jr - Because I think he would have some very interesting stories and life experiences he could share, particularly around how to overcome adversity...
Christopher “Notorious BIG” Wallace - For the banter with Iron Man and the soundtrack.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…
Cooking delicious BBQ and running a dive store on an island somewhere.
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