Steadfast Group has announced upcoming changes to its executive structure in preparation for the departure of chief operating officer Nigel Fitzgerald (pictured above), who will step down on July 1.
The announcement comes as the insurance intermediary and broker network prepares to transition its operational leadership.
Fitzgerald plans to pursue a personal business venture but will stay on as a senior advisor through Sept. 30, 2025, and will continue his involvement through board roles across several subsidiaries.
In a statement, Robert Kelly, Steadfast Group’s managing director and chief executive officer, acknowledged Fitzgerald’s contributions since joining the executive team.
“Nigel has made a significant contribution to the business and has been instrumental in our success over the past two years. With his entrepreneurial mindset, he has done a tremendous job solidifying the foundations of our growth strategy while improving our operational processes,” he said. “I am fully supportive of Nigel as he embarks on his personal business venture, and I’m pleased that he will remain within the Steadfast family.”
To support the transition, Steadfast has promoted two internal executives.
Noelene Palmer (pictured immediately below) will take on the role of chief operating officer, effective July 1.
“Noelene brings a breadth of experience in insurance over her career and is a highly valued member of the executive leadership team. Since joining Steadfast in July 2024 as executive general manager of operations, Noelene has played an instrumental role in ensuring the efficient resolutions of the strata matters and simplified Steadfast’s processes to support the ongoing effectiveness of the organisation,” Kelly said.
Tim Mathieson will become CEO of Australasia Broking beginning May 1. He has been with the Steadfast network for nearly a decade, most recently leading QIB Group, one of its subsidiaries.
Kelly said Mathieson’s tenure at QIB involved expansion through both organic growth and acquisitions.
“I am very pleased to have Tim return as a member of the Steadfast Group executive team. He is an exceptional executive, with significant expertise in general insurance broking and has built an impressive track record of delivery in his current role. I am highly confident that he will move at pace into his new role,” he said.
Kelly also confirmed that he will continue in his role as CEO until at least Dec. 31, 2026, and that the board will initiate a succession process in due course, considering both internal and external candidates.
Effective July 1, Steadfast’s executive team will include:
Steadfast recently received renewed certification as a Family Friendly Workplace. The designation, awarded biennially by Family Friendly Workplaces, recognises employers with supportive policies around flexible work, parental leave, and employee well-being.
