Martin Lines, Executive Broker at
Crombie Lockwood in Napier, has won the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (
IBANZ) award for outstanding broking professional 2014.
Lines was one of three finalists which also included Paul McKay, general manager corporate at
Aon New Zealand in Auckland, and Paul Goffin, senior broker with Insurance Brokers Alliance Ltd in Invercargill.
The winner was announced by
Vero’s new EGM commercial and distribution,
Cris Knell, who presented the award to Lines in front of an audience attending the 2014 IBANZ Forum evening function last night at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.
Forum MC Andrew Patterson read out the insurers’ reasons for picking Lines as this year’s winner: “Quite simply, the time Martin spends in the office dedicated to his customers is unreal,” he said.
“His absolute professional approach to all things insurance, his calm manner, non-accusatory style and absolute integrity makes him a leader that people can and should emulate.”
The insurers also said his wealth of experience encompassed not only establishing a thriving client portfolio but also effectively lead coaching and mentoring his own team at Crombie Lockwood Napier with the responsibility for the management of a busy and successful branch.
“Martin is a true advocate for his clients, going above and beyond to know his clients, providing dedicated support at all times and delivering exceptional service to meet his clients’ needs, ensuring he has sourced the best protection for them.
“He is technically strong and brings a wealth of invaluable insurance knowledge and regulatory awareness to his role.
“He is totally dedicated to ensuring there is a tripartite relationship between his clients, the insurer and himself. He recognises and advocates that insurance is based on many aspects including the value that each party can bring to the insurance contract.
“If only everyone had the virtues that Martin has the insurance industry would be a lot better off.”
Lines, who described the win as an ‘awesome shock’ said he placed huge value on the award.
“To be actually recognised by the people that we deal with every day I think is really huge.”
He thanked IBANZ, Vero, the insurers who voted for him and his employer Crombie Lockwood for their support in the lead up the award and for the past 27 years before adding: “I guess this will fit in nicely in the cabinet next to the Ranfurly Shield!”
Earlier in the evening the three finalists for the brokers’ pick for insurer of the year were announced as
NZI,
QBE and Vero.
IBANZ CEO
Gary Young announced Vero as the winner with Cris Knell accepting the award on his company’s behalf.
Knell, who officially started at Vero only last month, laughed that it was the quickest award he’d ever won.
He said management and staff could draw a lot of pride from the win but admitted his plan for the future was to up the ante.
