Image credit: The Association of Average Adjusters
The Association of Average Adjusters (AAA) has elected Ann Waite (pictured) as its 2024-25 chair, making the marine claims expert the first woman to chair the AAA since its 1869 founding.
During the annual general meeting of fellows, Waite was also named an honorary fellow of the association, where she notably served as secretary for 11 years. Heading AW Marine, an independent claims management firm in London, Waite succeeds AAA ex-chair and Albatross Adjusters director Burkhard Fischer.
Reflecting on her industry journey, Waite said: “My career within the shipping insurance arena, the majority of which has been spent within claims, has meant that I have immersed myself in marine casualties, many of which involved average adjusters.
“Burkhard Fischer mentioned [at this time last year], how the association is becoming more international and more diverse. Being elected as the first woman, not to mention not being an average adjuster nor a judge [Sir Nigel Teare, a former High Court judge, was chairman for the year 2022-2023], certainly supports that and is indeed a huge honour.”
The new chair added: “After spending many years as a broker in the international marine world, one important principle has always been paramount in my thinking: that communication between those involved in a maritime casualty is essential to the smooth resolution of claims for our mutual clients, the shipowners.”
Before establishing AW Marine, Waite was global head of marine claims at Aon and a founding member of hull and machinery insurer Dex Serv. She also co-founded the International Marine Claims Conference.
Meanwhile Waite’s previous function as AAA secretary has been taken over by Judy Houlden, whose diverse career includes roles in London, Madrid, and Chicago.
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