NIBA has announced that their Broker of the Year award is to be renamed in honour of Stephen Ball,
who passed away last year.
The former NIBA president and
JLT Australia chairman was an industry icon and passed away whilst visiting the United Kingdom in May 2015.
The award, which will now be known as the Stephen Ball Memorial Award, will also see new sponsorship as
QBE have signed a three year deal to take-over sponsorship from
Zurich.
NIBA CEO
Dallas Booth said that the decision to honour Ball highlights his commitment to excellence in the broking industry.
“Recognising and rewarding excellence in insurance broking is central to what we do at NIBA. We are particularly pleased to be able to honour Stephen Ball by renaming the award,” Booth said.
"Stephen embodied all the qualities we look for in insurance brokers, and we believe this is a fitting tribute for all he brought to the profession. We’re extremely pleased to be partnering with QBE on such a prestigious award, and we are very grateful for the support they will be providing."
Maureen Ball, Steve’s wife, said that she was delighted with NIBA’s decision.
“I am really delighted to see Stephen’s contribution to insurance broking recognised by this award. He was a strong advocate of the industry and while he genuinely encouraged self-development, he recognised that a strong industry needs its members to participate to keep it relevant and robust.
“I hope that the future recipients of this award will be encouraged by these comments to get actively involved in their industry.”
Jason Clarke, QBE Australia’s EGM, Intermediary Distribution, said that the company is pleased to be linked with a prestigious award.
“QBE is incredibly proud to be supporting the Stephen Ball Memorial Award and working with NIBA to recognise and celebrate the commitment and professionalism of intermediaries in our industry. This award not only provides brokers with a valuable opportunity to showcase their exceptional work, but to motivate others by demonstrating what’s possible.
“We’re especially excited to be involved in the year the award is renamed. Stephen epitomised the very best qualities of the broking profession and dedicating this award to his name makes receiving it even more significant.”
The overall winner of the Stephen Ball Memorial Award will be announced at the NIBA Convention held in Melbourne in September 2016 and awarded a prize valued in the region of $20,000.
Regional nominations for the award open today and entries can be submitted
here.
