by The Australian insurance industry thrives on fresh talent. Innovation drives change. Client needs evolve. In 2025, Insurance Business Australia unveiled its Rising Stars list. It honors 50 standout insurance professionals under 35. These industry leaders excel in underwriting, broking, claims, and tech. They tackle floods, cyber threats, and sustainability. This recognition spotlights the future. If you’re in the sector or eyeing a career, these stories inspire. Let’s dive into the winners, trends, and what it means for the Australian insurance industry.
The 2025 Rising Stars: A Snapshot of Excellence
Insurance Business received over 200 nominations. Judges picked 50 based on achievements, impact, and potential. Ages 24–34. Roles span giants like QBE, IAG, and boutique firms. Diversity shines: 45% women, multicultural backgrounds.
Winners average 8 years experience. They closed multi-million deals. Led digital transformations. Mentored juniors. One brokered $50 million cyber policy for a tech firm. Another streamlined claims post-Brisbane floods, cutting processing 40%. These insurance professionals prove youth brings agility. For the full list, visit Insurance Business Rising Stars 2025.
Why Rising Stars Matter in the Australian Insurance Industry
Australia’s $60 billion market faces headwinds. Premiums rose 10% in 2024 amid cats. Cyber claims doubled. Talent shortages hit 30%, per Hays. Industry leaders like these Rising Stars fill gaps. They blend tech savvy with client empathy.
Millennials and Gen Z now 60% of workforce. They demand purpose, flexibility. Rising Stars embody this. 70% volunteer or advocate sustainability. One winner launched a green underwriting tool, rewarding eco-friendly clients with 5% discounts. This aligns with APRA’s climate mandates.
The list boosts retention. Past winners report 25% promotion rates within a year. Firms like Suncorp use it for branding. “Our Rising Star led a $20 million portfolio,” boasts a CEO. It signals the Australian insurance industry invests in youth.
Key Trends from the 2025 Rising Stars
Winners reveal shifts. Data rules. AI, telematics dominate.
Digital Transformation Leaders
40% of Rising Stars drive tech. A QBE underwriter built an AI flood model, improving accuracy 35%. Another at Allianz integrated blockchain for claims—payouts in hours, not weeks. Insurance professionals code, analyze, innovate. Upskilling via ANZIIF certifications common.
Sustainability Champions
Climate risks cost $2 billion in 2024 floods. Rising Stars push parametric covers—auto-payouts for bushfires. One brokered ESG-linked policies for miners. Rewards carbon reduction. This positions the Australian insurance industry as green leader.
Client-Centric Innovators
CX tops agendas. A claims specialist at NRMA created a mental health support app post-disaster. Usage: 5,000 clients. Empathy meets efficiency. Industry leaders prioritize trust amid rising complaints (ASIC reports 15% uptick).
These trends echo IB’s Hot 100. Rising Stars are the vanguard. For tech insights, explore our insurtech Australia guide.
Spotlight on Standout Rising Stars
Meet a few trailblazers.
Emma Chen, Underwriter, QBE
Age 29. Closed $100 million in cyber renewals. Led APAC expansion. Mentors women via WiA. “Data unlocks fair pricing,” she says. Her ML model cut SME premiums 15%.
Raj Patel, Broker, Steadfast
Age 32. Grew portfolio 50% to $30 million. Specializes in strata for high-rises. Post-Sydney storms, negotiated 20% better terms. Advocates diversity—his team 60% multicultural.
Sophie Nguyen, Claims Manager, IAG
Age 27. Handled 1,000+ flood claims. Implemented drone assessments—speed up 50%. Volunteers with Red Cross. “Empathy drives loyalty,” her mantra.
Liam O’Connor, Insurtech Lead, Suncorp
Age 31. Launched app for real-time policy tweaks. User growth 200%. Partners startups. Eyes embedded insurance in EVs.
These insurance professionals redefine norms. Full profiles in IB magazine.
How the Australian Insurance Industry Supports Rising Talent
Firms invest heavily. QBE’s Graduate Program: 12 months rotation, $80,000 salary. IAG’s Accelerate: Fast-tracks high-potentials. ANZIIF offers CIP—80% winners certified.
Mentorship key. NIBA pairs juniors with execs. WiA events network 1,000+ women yearly. DEI initiatives: Allianz targets 50% female leaders by 2030.
Challenges persist. Burnout from cats. Gender pay gap 12%. But Rising Stars push change. One advocated flexible work—adopted firm-wide post-maternity.
The Australian insurance industry evolves. APRA’s resilience focus aids. For career paths, see ANZIIF career resources.
Lessons from Rising Stars for Aspiring Insurance Professionals
Want in? Heed their advice.
- Upskill Relentlessly: Certs, courses. 90% winners hold advanced quals.
- Network Boldly: Events, LinkedIn. Connections land 70% roles.
- Innovate Daily: Propose ideas. Small wins compound.
- Embrace DEI: Diverse teams outperform 35%, per McKinsey.
- Balance Purpose: Volunteer, advocate. Builds fulfillment.
Entry: Grad programs, internships. Salaries start $65,000. Rise fast—managers by 30. Pair with our insurance careers Aus tips.
The Future: What Rising Stars Signal for Industry Leaders
2025 winners forecast 2030. Embedded insurance in cars, homes. AI underwrites 80% risks. Parametric dominates cats. Sustainability mandatory.
Industry leaders must adapt. Hire digital natives. Foster innovation labs. Address mental health—claims stress high.
Regulation evolves. ASIC eyes fairness in AI. ICA pushes resilience funding. Rising Stars influence policy—one testified on cyber mandates.
The Australian insurance industry booms—$70 billion by 2030. Talent fuels it. Rising Stars lead the charge.
Conclusion: Celebrate and Emulate Australia’s Insurance Rising Stars
Insurance Business’s 2025 Rising Stars illuminate the Australian insurance industry‘s bright future. These 50 insurance professionals innovate, empathize, lead. From cyber deals to green policies, they shape tomorrow. Industry leaders: Nurture this talent. Aspiring pros: Follow their path.
The sector needs you. Congrats to the winners. Who’s your Rising Star? Share below.
