2014 Aon Benfield Scholarship winner announced

2014 Aon Benfield Scholarship winner announced

Aon Benfield and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (the Institute) are pleased to announce the winner of the 2014 Aon Benfield Scholarship.

Jenna Cooke, an actuary at Suncorp Commercial Insurance, was awarded the prize for her essay on the topic, “Will the Google car end automobile insurance as we know it?”

As part of her prize, Ms Cooke will attend the 49th annual Aon Benfield Global Clients Reinsurance Seminar in London in June, where she will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of arranging reinsurance on a global scale.

"I'm very excited and thankful to Aon Benfield for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. The chance to not only deepen my knowledge of reinsurance but also to connect with other insurance professionals from around the world is an invaluable experience. I'd also like to thank my managers and colleagues throughout Suncorp for encouraging my participation in this competition and being so supportive of my efforts," said Ms Cooke.

Aon Benfield has funded the Scholarship for ten years. It was established to recognise an outstanding insurance professional in the Australian and New Zealand insurance markets and emphasise the importance of continuing professional development in all aspects of insurance.

Robert De Souza, President APAC/CEO Australia and New Zealand, Aon Benfield said, “This year’s competition attracted a large number of submissions of an extremely high standard. Congratulations to Ms Cooke on an outstanding accomplishment with an essay that included an emphasis on the need for continuous industry innovation. I am sure that her experience at the 49th Annual Aon Benfield Global Clients Reinsurance Seminar in London in June will provide her with invaluable reinsurance knowledge.”

Speaking on behalf of the Institute, CEO Prue Willsford said, “Jenna's essay showed innovation and breadth of vision regarding the complexity of change and the ongoing evolution of the insurance industry. Her personal commitments to further education and leadership within the industry are also impressive and demonstrated that she is a great example of the future leaders of our industry.”

The Scholarship was determined by a judging panel of industry figures, including:

Robert De Souza – President APAC / CEO Australia & New Zealand, Aon Benfield

Prue Willsford – CEO, ANZIIF

Jacki Johnson – CEO, IAG New Zealand Limited

Rob van den Honert – Co-Deputy Director, Risk Frontiers, Macquarie University NSW

Tony Smith – Executive Manager Group Reinsurance, Suncorp

Stefan Golling – General Manager Non-Life, Munich Reinsurance Group

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