Our Leadership Team
Our people are central to our approach. We empower local underwriters and claims professionals to make decisions, talk through complex risks, and build long-term relationships based on trust and expertise. Meet your BIA team.
Tony Wheatley
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Wheatley has over 35 years’ experience in underwriting, claims, reinsurance and portfolio management. His expertise lies largely in the PI, D&O and medical malpractice classes having worked his way through various underwriting positions before moving into management roles.
Joining W.R. Berkley in July of 2012, his background includes a broad expertise in managing insurance companies, managing general agents and insurance and reinsurance portfolios.
Tony and the management team at Berkley Insurance Australia are committed to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible products and services to our brokers through local underwriters who are empowered to make decisions with an expectation that service, in the broadest sense, is at the core of what we do.
Matthew McPhee
National Underwriting Manager
Matthew McPhee has over 30 years experience in the Casualty classes (PI, ML, D&O and GL) having working for International Insurance brokers and Underwriters in Australia and London.
Matthew has a reputation for ensuring insurance brokers and their clients receive excellent service and professional advice in his chosen specialty.
Matthew has a Commerce Degree, Fellowship with ANZIIF, and when a broker was a Member of NIBA.
Kirsty Owens
National Head of e-business
Kirsty Owens brings over 20 years of expertise in Professional Indemnity (PI), Directors & Officers (D&O), and Public Liability (PL) insurance. Her career includes significant roles at leading underwriting and brokerage firms in both Australia and London.
Previously serving as the State Manager for South Australia, Kirsty led a proficient team of underwriters, addressing the complex insurance needs of brokers and clients in Adelaide. Now, as the National Head of e-Business, she leverages her extensive industry knowledge to drive the strategic growth and management of Berkley Insurance Australia’s e-business distribution channels.
Kirsty holds both a Business Degree and a Master’s Degree, and is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF). Her role highlights BIA’s commitment to innovative digital solutions in the insurance sector.
Gareth Edwards
National Head of Claims
Gareth leads the claims team as the National Head of Claims for Berkley Insurance Australia. Gareth has a broad experience base going back to 2001, having worked with an underwriting agency, brokerages and insurers. Gareth has similarly worked with a broad range of clients, including retail, SME, large corporate and government, and across a broad range of product lines, including first party, third party and statutory classes lines. In the third party liability lines, Gareth is an experienced litigator, having been involved with defending numerous actions brought against insureds at all levels of the state and federal court systems. This background provides Gareth with a unique perspective in understanding BIA’s clients’ needs. Gareth has a Diploma in Financial Services through ANZIIF, as well as degrees in Business and Law.
Paul Bleakley
National Partner Solutions Manager
Paul Bleakley has more than 25 years’ experience in PI, D&O and PL having worked for both International Underwriters and International Insurance brokers in Australia.
In his role as our National Partner Solutions Manager, Paul has established a culture based on strong relationships with our coverholders ensuring that mutually beneficial business portfolios are developed and supported.
Paul has an MBA as well as a Commerce Degree.
