More than 300 professionals gathered in Sydney last Tuesday as winners were announced in this year’s Annual Life Insurance Excellence Awards.

Event organiser the Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association also said farewell to CEO Amanda McKernan, who is to leave the peak body after almost a decade in the top job.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve ALUCA and this industry for the past 10 years,” Ms McKernan said.

“I am incredibly proud of what this association and profession continue to achieve. I leave with the deepest gratitude for the board chair and directors, volunteers, sponsors, partners, members and team who have given me their trust and support – and with great confidence that ALUCA is in excellent hands.

“The life insurance industry will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

The award winners, announced at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, were:

Leadership: Amber Brockie, Acenda

Professional: Yvette Pheiffer, Hannover Re

Rising star: Michael Shepherd, Allianz

David Mico Industry Award: Glenn Baird, TAL

Claims team: Zurich, retail claims concierge team

Underwriting team: Acenda

Customer service team: Workcom

Innovation team: Zurich, home loan protection team

Partnership impact team: ExPhys and TAL

Best technology team: Acenda, Vivo Companion

ALUCA chair Joanne Faglioni says the evening was a “true celebration of what makes this industry extraordinary – the people within it.

“From the finalists to the winners, every nominee demonstrated the commitment, expertise and heart that defines life insurance at its best.”