Our Melbourne 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.
Trish Cuthbert
State Manager - VIC/TAS
With a career in the insurance industry that has spanned over three decades since 1988, Trish’s specialised focus lies within Directors & Officers (D&O) and Management Liability (ML) insurances. This focus has served her well throughout her extensive tenure in major insurance providers and underwriting agencies, continuously proving invaluable in her roles.
Trish is known for her natural problem-solving skills and a keen eye for process improvement. Her commitment to providing a first-class experience for brokers and clients stands out as a hallmark of her work ethic.
Beyond Trish’s professional responsibilities, she has a strong dedication to the growth and success of her colleagues. Actively engaging in mentoring and supporting team members, firmly believing that the team’s success reflects each individual’s contribution.
Brenton Fielder
Senior Underwriter - Financial Lines
Brenton is a plant dad that has been with the Berkley Team since 2014, starting in Sydney and then relocating to the Melbourne office in 2016.
Coming from a broking background with a strong focus on financial lines products, Brenton has a clear understanding of the stresses and strains that both brokers and underwriters face when providing the best and most appropriate cover for clients across a vast array of industries.
Brenton has a broad depth of experience to pull from when he is assessing risks after working in many different industries from mining and construction in Townsville, to marketing and branding in Sydney, before starting his insurance life and putting down roots in Melbourne… For now.
Steve Taylor
Financial Lines Underwriter
Steve joins Berkley Insurance Australia having spent the last few years working in Commercial Broking, specialising mainly in financial lines of insurance. Prior to Commercial Broking, Steve gained experience within the industry working as part of a facilities team broking to the healthcare and professional services sectors, along with experience working in Products and Partnerships.
Steve enjoys building strong relationships, as well as working with others to better understand risk exposure and mitigation.
When in the office you will often find Steve on the phone, pacing the floor while engrossed in conversation to a broker dissecting a risk.
Outside of work, he will be in one of the many record stores or live music venues throughout Melbourne due to his avid interest in all things music.
Katie Thiessen
General Liability Underwriter
Katie joined BIA in November 2023 as a Business Support Officer, making her way into the General Liability Underwriting team shortly after in July 2024. Whilst she is new to the industry, Katie has demonstrated her ability to adapt her problem-solving skills and flair for customer service to the insurance sector.
With background studies in engineering as well as obtaining her pilot’s licence at 16 years of age, Katie has a keen eye for detail and loves to take a methodical approach when it comes to obtaining the best outcomes for brokers and insured’s.
Outside of work hours, you will often find Katie hanging out with her two cavoodles or considering going to the gym (but not actually going).
Thomas Soro
Senior General Liability Underwriter, VIC
Thomas started in the Insurance industry as a temporary support role in England before moving to Melbourne in 2017. Thomas has been in underwriting in the Australian SME & Mid-Market space for the last 6 years with a focus on General Liability.
Thomas enjoys getting to know people, meeting new faces and discussing different risks.
Outside of work most of his time is occupied by a variety of sports (Arsenal being his first love), travelling, gigs and spending time with family and friends.
Andrew Whincup
Senior General Liability Underwriter
Andrew has spent over 23 years in the insurance industry, specialising in General Liability. He’s all about practical, no-nonsense underwriting and making complex risks easy to navigate.
Born in Queensland but raised in Melbourne, Andrew has a strong local perspective and enjoys building relationships that last. He’s approachable, down-to-earth, and values collaboration with brokers and colleagues.
When he’s not at work, Andrew is kept busy by two young kids, a spoodle and a cat. He also enjoys competing in competition BBQ and taking part in charity car rallies, combining his love of food, fun, and giving back.
