The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has appointed Scott Hawkins as a new member of its board.
Hawkins (pictured), who is the managing director of Munich Re, brings over 25 years of experience in the reinsurance sector, where he has worked across both direct insurance and reinsurance businesses in Australia and globally.
Throughout his career, Hawkins has held leadership roles covering non-life reinsurance, technical underwriting, and client management.
In a statement regarding his new position, Hawkins expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the industry’s talent pool.
“I look forward to helping guide the education and career development of the current and future employees in our industry,” he said.
ANZIIF CEO Katrina Shanks welcomed Hawkins to the board, citing his depth of experience as a significant asset for the institute.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scott to our board. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable as ANZIIF continues to evolve, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality education as well as a modern and relevant membership-based community for all insurance professionals,” she said.
ANZIIF’s board oversees the organisation’s strategic direction, and members are tasked with helping steer educational initiatives for the region’s insurance professionals. The board also presents an annual report on the financial health and overall activities of the organisation at the Annual General Meeting.
ANZIIF’s board expansion aligns with the expansion of the organisation’s influence in other regions.
The organisation has been actively expanding its influence in Southeast Asia through new partnerships and initiatives. In July, ANZIIF signed key agreements aimed at enhancing professional development in the region.
One such agreement was reached with Andalas University in Indonesia, through both a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Accredited Training Provider (ATP) Agreement. The collaboration provides pathways for students and insurance professionals in West Sumatra to further their careers through ANZIIF’s educational programs.
ANZIIF has also partnered with the Thai Insurance Brokers Association, enabling Thai brokers to pursue its Executive Certificate in General Insurance Broking, along with Senior Associate CIP Membership.
In Malaysia, ANZIIF signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the Malaysian Insurance Institute (MII), which facilitates the mutual recognition of professional credentials.
To further the organisation’s regional impact, Shanks led seminars in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, promoting the organisation’s new Empathetic Claims Management course. The seminars attracted over 4,500 participants and aimed to train claims agents in providing more empathetic and trauma-aware services.
ANZIIF has also introduced a series of weekly webinars, designed to offer insurance professionals worldwide accessible opportunities for professional development.
