The Financial Services Council has recognised pioneers, young achievers and industry innovation in its inaugural Life Insurance Industry Awards program.
Announced at a gala dinner on the evening before last week’s 2013 FSC Life Insurance Conference, the winners of the inaugural FSC Awards were:
Industry Pioneer Award – Phil Hay, BT Financial Group
Mr Hay is the Head of Life Insurance at BT Financial Group; the FSC noting that he is known as a passionate leader of BT’s Life Insurance business, and is recognised both within BT and the industry for his commitment to innovation and transforming the life insurance industry.
Mr Hay is held to be a true leader of people and a strategic thinker who is committed to growing and developing talent and harnessing the best from his people to constantly challenge the needs of the industry for the next generation.
Young Achievers Award – Maria Crocker, ANZ Wealth
The FSC observed that Maria Crocker’s intellect, considered thought process, and selfless desire to help has meant that she fast became the ‘go to person’ within ANZ Wealth.
It added that Ms Crocker mentors and imparts knowledge well beyond her years in an understandable way for many less experienced. She is also an active participant in the industry and devotes considerable time giving back, including her involvement as an active member of the FSC Group insurance working group and Takeover Terms committees.
Dealing with well-educated wholesale and industry superannuation customers, the Council said Ms Crocker’s unrivalled knowledge of the law, life insurance, superannuation, and issues affecting the industry, combined with her professional approach and desire to assist, showcases to clients and potential clients that they are dealing with a true professional.
Consumer Innovation Award – Macquarie Life
This Award was presented in recognition of Macquarie Life’s work in delivering its unique ‘Macquarie Life Active’ and ‘Active Body’ product and service propositions to the Australian market.
‘Active Body’ is described as a simple online tool which helps advisers to clearly communicate to their clients the benefits of life and living insurance, and is a natural complement to the Macquarie Life Active product series.
