Kurt Nilsen (pictured), founder and managing director of Lion Underwriting, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 52.
Nilsen, a key figure in Australia’s underwriting sector, established Lion Underwriting in 2015. The agency specialises in hard-to-place risks, spanning general liability, property, and professional lines. Nilsen often described the agency as also catering to “vanilla type risks” across different sectors.
In addition to leading the company, Nilsen was actively involved with the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), where he served as a board member for a decade, including three years as chair from 2019 to 2022.
Diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, Nilsen continued to receive treatment before dying at home on Feb. 22.
Underwriting Agencies Council CEO Jenny Bax acknowledged Nilsen’s contributions to the industry, noting his role in shaping UAC’s direction.
“It is a very sombre time indeed; Kurt gave so much to the Australian insurance community. Throughout his decade of leadership at UAC, he played a pivotal role in shaping our organisation into what it is today,” she said.
She said that Nilsen was a strong advocate for underwriting agencies and was a driving force behind UAC’s latest strategic plan, which commenced in 2023.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bax described Nilsen as a mentor and leader who supported the development of those around him.
“Many of us were privileged to have worked alongside Kurt, learned from him, and been inspired by his unwavering commitment to our industry,” she said.
Nilsen’s family shared a statement reflecting on his personal and professional legacy.
“Kurt leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, integrity, and compassion. We are deeply grateful for the love and support he received through his journey and find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched,” the family said.
In anticipation of the company’s future leadership, Nilsen appointed Jarrod O’Brien and Nathan Hepple to the Lion Underwriting board in 2024, transitioning them into active management roles.
O’Brien reflected on Nilsen’s priorities, noting that his family was always his primary focus, followed by his passion for travel and his work at Lion Underwriting.
“Kurt’s wish, and request of the Lion team, is our ongoing focus on exceptional client service. Amongst the inevitable times of upset and of course grief, our team is committed to supporting one another so we can do Kurt proud,” he said.
Hepple stated that while Nilsen’s absence would be deeply felt, the leadership team – comprising Dyan Hamill, Adam Thackeray, Rebecca Gottstein, and Sara McLoughlin – remained committed to continuing his vision.
“Lion won’t be the same without Kurt, but Jarrod and I are 100% committed to propelling this business forward in ways consistent with Kurt’s wishes, alongside the existing management team,” he said.
A commemoration of Nilsen’s life is expected to take place on the Gold Coast, with further details to be shared via Lion Underwriting’s website.
Nilsen’s insurance career began in 1993 at Mutual & Federal Insurance Co in South Africa. He moved to Australia in 2001 and later founded Australian Professional Underwriting Agency. Over the years, he held roles at Intasure Insurance Brokers, Professional Insurance Brokers NSW, ASR Underwriting Agencies, and Specialist Underwriting Agencies.
Elected to the UAC board in 2013, Nilsen contributed to the industry for more than three decades. He held a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) and was recognised for his deep industry knowledge and leadership within the underwriting space.
