Insurance Business Australia's (IB) 5-star business development managers (BDMs) for 2022 are individuals selected by hundreds of insurance brokers for outstanding service and product comprehension.
Among last year's winners is Kyla Wood, a national development manager at High Street Underwriting Agency. She has been in the insurance industry for 35 years, with her BDM skills honed during her years at Federation/WFI, CU/CGU, Allianz, and Austagencies/SURA Commercial, with roles in administration, claims management, underwriting, and business development.
In an interview with IB, Wood said she goes the extra mile for her clients by “physically getting to see all brokers across the country and attending [Underwriting Agencies Council] events, conferences, and [professional development] days where possible,” allowing her to contact numerous brokers in one place.
“Coming out of COVID, I'm seeing an increase in BDMs actively engaging in broker visitations. The challenge is working with brokers in managing their time and workflows,” she said. “I need to manage my time more effectively to make sure I am available as required.”
In IB's 5-Star BDM 2022 survey, a broker praised Wood for going out of her way to help her clients.
“I am a small regional brokerage. It's just me at this stage, and Kyla always makes an effort to drop in and see me when she's in town for a chat and an update on what’s happening at HSUA. Others don't bother. Because of this, I actually feel like she is interested in me and my clients,” the broker said.
Another broker added: “[Wood] is always responsive, and she is always happy to work with you to get a better result for your client.”
Learn more about Wood by reading her profile, or see the rest of last year's top BDMs in the Australian insurance industry by reading the IB 5-Star BDMs report.
