Broking leader Tim Wedlock, who died in a road accident in the US, has been given a posthumous lifetime achievement award by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.

The late AEI Insurance Broking Group executive chairman’s family was at the ANZIIF awards ceremony in Sydney last night, and his son was on stage to help accept the award.

ANZIIF says Mr Wedlock not only devoted himself to AEI for more than 36 years, but he also helped shaped the Australian broking profession.

“A respected leader, Tim guided his business through some of the industry’s most challenging conditions with resilience, integrity and a long-term perspective,” the institute said.

“Throughout his career, he invested deeply in mentoring others, developing future leaders and championing insurance as a rewarding profession.

“His influence can be seen in the profession he helped strengthen, the emerging professionals he championed and the countless people whose careers and lives he touched along the way.

“On behalf of ANZIIF and the wider insurance community, we honour Tim’s remarkable contribution and enduring legacy. His impact on our industry will endure for generations to come.”

AEI has thanked ANZIIF, saying the award “means a lot” to the brokerage.

Munich Re Specialty Australia head Chris Mackinnon – who led Lloyd’s Australian business before joining the German reinsurer this year – also received a lifetime achievement award.

The institute says Mr Mackinnon’s contribution extends far beyond the organisations he led.

“Throughout his career, he has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting the broader insurance profession … making him a highly deserving recipient of the lifetime award.”

ANZIIF named CHU CEO Kimberley Jonsson insurance leader of the year.

“Respected for her authenticity, collaborative leadership style and unwavering focus on people, Kimberley continues to inspire those around her while helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for insurance,” the institute said.

The other winners last night were:

• Authorised representative network of the year – Community Broker Network
• Claims team – CHU Underwriting Agencies
• Small-medium broking company – Guardian Insurance Brokers
• Large broking company – Marsh
• Small-medium general insurance company – Adica Insurance
• Large general insurance company – Allianz
• Small-medium underwriting agency – Coalition
• Large underwriting agency – CHU Underwriting Agencies
• Insurtech start-up – Curium
• Life insurance company – NobleOak
• Professional services firm – Sharps Australia
• Service provider to the insurance industry – BizCover
• Young insurance professional – Alan Xian, Taylor Fry/University of NSW