Meet Our Team
We are who we are because of our people
Adelaide
State Manager SA
Kimberly Maisey
With 20 years insurance industry experience, Kimberly joined Berkley Insurance Australia in January 2019 as a Financial Lines Underwriter and has a proven track record in underwriting.
Prior to joining Berkley, Kimberly held a very long and well established underwriting career at QBE which saw her underwrite a variety of insurance products.
Kimberly has excellent communication skills which is demonstrated by the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and hold long standing client relationships within the Insurance Industry.
Whilst known to have a competitive streak (both personally and professionally), Kimberly thoroughly enjoys a challenge and is a very dedicated, self-driven and focused individual who is organized, disciplined and goal oriented.
Outside of work, she is supermum to her two children and superwife to her husband and if she isn’t at home you will find her either shopping, F45’ing or on a walk exploring beautiful South Australia.
National e-business Manager
Kirsty Owens
Kirsty Owens brings a wealth of knowledge with over two decades of expertise in Professional Indemnity (PI), Directors & Officers (D&O), and Public Liability (PL). Her extensive experience spans across prestigious underwriting and brokerage firms in Australia and London.
As the former State Manager for South Australia, Kirsty led a skilled team of underwriters dedicated to meeting the intricate insurance needs of brokers and clients in Adelaide. In her recent transition to the role of e-Business Manager, she applies her significant industry acumen to oversee the strategic growth and management of Berkley Insurance Australia’s e-business distribution channels.
Kirsty holds a Business Degree and a Master’s Degree, and is distinguished as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF). Her appointment underscores BIA’s focus on pioneering digital solutions in the insurance landscape.
Senior Underwriter General Liability SA
Phillip Paull
Phil began his insurance journey as an Environmental Insurance Broker, before dedicating over a decade as an Environmental Underwriter with a global insurer. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a top-tier technical underwriter and played a pivotal role in the growth of Australia’s emerging Environmental Insurance market.
Phil’s extensive underwriting experience spans General Liability, Professional Indemnity, Property, Management Liability, and Directors & Officers insurance. He brings a proven track record of stable, sustainable underwriting and has built trusted relationships across Australia, the APAC region, and internationally. Now, as Senior Underwriter – General Liability (SA), Phil continues to leverage his expertise and industry connections.
Outside of work, Phil is an avid hockey goalkeeper, enthusiastic traveller, and a DIY enthusiast.
Phil holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Zoology from Monash University.
BRISBANE
National Underwriting Manager
Matthew McPhee
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, is a Fellow of the Australian Insurance Institute, and when a broker was a Member of NIBA.
State Manager - QLD
Paul Kelly
Paul holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology, Sydney and is a Fellow of ANZIIF.
Paul has been in the financial services industry for 30 years beginning in the stock market before moving to insurance in 1993. Paul has undertaken a number of roles from portfolio management and liability underwriting for various insurers to a corporate insurance broker for local and international broking firms across a wide variety of industries from manufacturing, mining, property development to health services. Currently, Paul is the Qld & NT State Manager for Berkley Insurance Australia, based in Brisbane and also has the role of Casualty underwriter.
National Head of New Product Development & Senior Underwriter
Nicole Carey
Nicole has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Juris Doctor and a Diploma of Financial Services.
Nicole has a split role at Berkley Insurance Australia. Nicole shares her time between Financial Lines Underwriting in our Brisbane team and nationally as a Wording Technician.
Nicole has over 20 years’ experience in the industry with a particular focus on professional indemnity, directors’ & officers’ liability and management liability insurance policies. Nicole has 15 years’ experience working for large international insurance brokers which provides her with a unique understanding of the pressures faced by brokers on a daily basis.
Nicole enjoys working with brokers and Berkley Insurance Australia underwriters to create solutions for their clients.
Senior Underwriter Financial Lines
Jess Kettle
Jess holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Wollongong and has been in the insurance industry for 12 years working across all lines.
Specialising in Financial Lines underwriting, Jess joined Berkley Insurance Australia in December 2021 and enjoys working with her brokers to find solutions for their clients
She is a committee member of YIPS Queensland and will most likely see you at the next industry event!
Senior Underwriter General Liability/Financial Lines
Rebecca Minte
1 part underwriter, 1 part negroni drinker, 2 parts documentary lover
Rebecca began her insurance career in 2015 first working with an international insurer and then an underwriting agency before joining the team at Berkley Insurance Australia underwriting both General Liability and Financial Lines in October 2017.
Prior to insurance, Rebecca worked for a German technology start-up – first working with them in Berlin and then relocating with them to Sydney in October 2012.
Rebecca holds an Honours Degree in Accounting and Finance, two Masters degrees in related disciplines and is currently an Associate member of ANZIIF studying for her Diploma of General Insurance.
Underwriter
Sean Madden
Sean has a Bachelor of Business and a Diploma of Financial Services.
Sean has over 15 years of industry experience working as an Insurance Broker where his main emphasis was within the Financial Lines sector assisting clients with their Professional Indemnity and Management Liability requirements. He has now joined the Berkley team and provides underwriting for Financial Lines and Public & Products Liability Insurance.
Underwriter
Angie Sunthornsorn
Angie first joined the industry in 2008, working for a brokerage firm in Melbourne before moving into underwriting in 2013 as admin support then progressing to assistant underwriter. In 2018 Angie moved to Brisbane where she’s continuing her underwriting role as a Financial Lines underwriter and gained knowledge in Professional Indemnity, Medical Malpractice and Public Liability.
Underwriter
Emily Meddings
Emily Meddings specialises in Financial Lines and General Liability Underwriting. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for her field, she boasts 6 years of experience in the insurance industry. She embarked on her career in medical indemnity and administration, which paved the way for her subsequent role as Assistant Underwriter at DUAL Australia. In May of 2022, Emily took her talents to BIA, eager to embrace new challenges.
Educated at the University of Queensland, Emily earned a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Economics and Criminology. She further expanded her academic repertoire with a Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice from Griffith University. When she’s not delving deep into the nuances of underwriting, she proudly waves the flag as an avid Carlton supporter.
Melbourne
State Manager - VIC/TAS
Trish Cuthbert
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.
Senior Underwriter - Financial Lines
Brenton Fielder
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.
Financial Lines Underwriter
Steve Taylor
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.
General Liability Underwriter
Jane Makin
Jane has been in the insurance industry over 15 years, having completed a traineeship at a farm insurer and then moving on to Business Development and Underwriter roles. She dipped her toes into the broking world, but couldn’t stay away from underwriting, joining the Liability team in Berkley Insurance in early 2023.
Jane is country girl, having grown up in the Mallee, and whilst she lives in Melbourne now, she gets back to the farm for some country air whenever she can.
She has two young children who keep her busy, is sports mad, and enjoys heading out to watch her beloved Western Bulldogs and Vixens when she can find the time. She has a competitive streak on the netball court and some may even say she has a bit of ‘white line fever’!
General Liability Underwriter
Katie Thiessen
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).
Senior General Liability Underwriter, VIC
Thomas Soro
Thomas started in the Insurance industry as a temporary support role in England. Before moving to Melbourne in 2017 and have been 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.
PERTH
State Manager - WA
Jason Tomerini
Jason joined the Berkley Insurance Australia team in 2014 and has been in the Insurance Industry since 1993, holding various roles with:
- SGIO
- Mercantile Mutual
- Aon
- AIG
Jason believes strongly in the fundamentals of insurance, the promise it delivers & value of exceptional service.
He is a devoted family man, his wife is from Prague, in the Czech Republic and they share a daughter & son together. As a family, they enjoy travelling specifically to the Czech Republic visiting their extended family.
Jason’s major hobby and enjoyment is playing golf having been a member of The Vines Golf & Country Club in the Swan Valley from 2006.
Senior Financial Lines & Liability Underwriter
Valerie Keown
Valerie has 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry specialising in financial lines. Throughout her extensive career, Valerie has worked in a variety of roles across broking and underwriting in both Australia and New Zealand. Her experience in all sides of the insurance business enables her to provide expert advice to clients.
Valerie is an active member of ANZIIF and has completed a Certificate IV in General Insurance.
Senior Liability Underwriter
Adelle Timmins
Adelle started her career in customer service and commenced underwriting in 2004 specialising in Workers Compensation. Five years later Adelle moved into Commercial Insurance, underwriting for some of Australia’s largest insurers across a range of commercial products.
In 2017 Adelle joined the team at Berkley Insurance Australia and is currently a Senior Underwriter based in Perth.
Senior e-business Underwriter
Martin Patterson
Liability Underwriter
Andrea Day
I started in Insurance back in 2012 with WFI Insurance as a Service Consultant and assistant to the Area Managers for Commercial and residential policies
Then I started with Berkley Insurance Australia Perth, in July 2015 as a BSO and worked my way up to my current position of Assistant Underwriter in July 2020
I am doing all SCTP/Steadfast online PL submissions and have a limited book of open market accounts. I assist Adelle Timmins (Senior PL UW PERTH) with all aspect of the PL accounts for Perth
Financial Lines Underwriter
Joneen Houghton
Since joining BIA in 2021 as a Business Support Officer, Jo quickly seized the opportunity to step into an Underwriting Specialist role with the expanding Perth branch. Her transition, rooted in a solid insurance background and firsthand experience with BIA’s culture, was seamless.
Jo excels in blending her knowledge with the innovative practices at BIA, continually learning from the industry’s best to enhance underwriting processes and maintain a focus on client-centric solutions.
Sydney
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Wheatley
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.
State Manager - NSW
Trevor Williamson
Trevor has a Bachelor of Business Studies and 25 years’ experience in General Insurance over both claims and underwriting. Specialising in Public and Products Liability underwriting, Trevor has worked in both the SME and Corporate markets with global placement experience.
Currently Trevor is the State Manager of the NSW and ACT open market team at Berkley Insurance Australia. His unique leadership skills guide our expert underwriters, skilled in both Financial Lines and Liability.
Personally Trevor enjoys spending time with his family and travelling around South East Asia. Trevor is an avid sportsman enjoying cycling, running, football and golf.
Senior Underwriter - Financial Lines
Paul Marques
Paul has been in the insurance industry for just about 20 years covering most facets of financial lines products including professional indemnity, directors & officers, medical malpractice and Information technology.
Paul has also enjoyed the opportunity to work in two different states with very different market conditions. Paul is an approachable underwriter who appreciates all opportunities provided by his intermediaries and genuinely wants to find a solution their insurance needs.
Senior Underwriter InfoTech Liability
Damien Stephen
Damien is a Senior Underwriter in IT Liability and is also the National Product Leader – IT Liability for Berkley Insurance Australia.
Damien has been specialising in IT Liability underwriting for over 12 years. His expertise has been demonstrated through recent policy improvements that have made BIA a significant player in the Australian IT Liability landscape.
Senior Underwriter Financial Lines
Chris Milton
Senior Underwriter General Liability
Mathew Konopka
Liability Underwriter
Karmen Greaves
Karmen, a seasoned professional in the insurance industry, has dedicated over 15 years to mastering both liability and property insurance. With a specialization in Public and Products Liability underwriting, Karmen has gained valuable experience in the SME and mid-markets.
Always eager to connect with new people, Karmen carries a positive attitude that motivates those around her to strive for success.
When not immersed in her work, Karmen cherishes spending time with her family on weekend getaways, beach outings, and regular gym sessions.
Assistant Underwriter
Ben Holl
Ben quickly rose from Business Support Officer to Assistant Underwriter in just one year with BIA. His enthusiasm for connecting with others is as strong as his interest in learning the nuances of underwriting. Although new to the insurance industry, he has shown remarkable potential and adaptability.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys sports and social outings with friends, bringing the same energy and team spirit to his professional role. He’s excited to dive deeper into his underwriting career and be a valuable team player.
FACILITIES
National Partner Solutions Manager
Paul Bleakley
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.
National Senior Partner Solutions Underwriter
Matt Rawle
Matt has over 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry predominantly in the Financial and Professional Lines space. Over this time, he has worked for International Brokers, International and Australian insurance companies and at a Medical Defence Organisation specialising in Medical Indemnity.
In his role as National Senior Partner Solutions Underwriter at Berkley Insurance Australia, Matt enjoys managing our coverholder relationships with underwriting consistency, clarity and a fast turnaround to underwriting referrals. He also likes to consider innovative solutions to coverholder issues with the ultimate mutually beneficial goal of making it easier to do more business with us.
Senior Partner Solutions Underwriter
Marz Psut
Marz embarked on her insurance career nearly two decades ago, honing her expertise in general liability across diverse sectors including SME, construction, corporate, and major/global accounts. Her experience spans the influential London and Melbourne markets, culminating in a recent move to Sydney. Marz thrives on building new relationships with brokers and coverholders, committed to delivering tailor-made solutions that precisely address each client’s unique requirements.
In her leisure time, Marz is an avid cyclist and hiker, enthusiastically exploring the scenic beauty of Sydney and its surroundings, often accompanied by her Australian Shepherd, Floki.
Senior Partner Solutions Underwriter
Tamara Gabriel
With extensive experience in the Australian Insurance industry across SME, Mid-market and Corporate, Tamara specialises in Liability and Property (ISR). Reflecting BIA’s focus on tailored insurance solutions, her approach is centred on creating mutual success through solution-based underwriting and fostering long-term relationships with coverholders.
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Tamara is committed to staying at the forefront of industry innovations through continuous learning, her expertise is complimented by a keen interest in entrepreneurship and she is an avid Shark Tank fan.
Partner Solutions Financial Accountant
Angela Boladian
With over 20 years’ experience in the Insurance Industry, Angela is a Financial Accountant within the Partner Solutions Team. Currently looking after Bordereau and Financial Management of all their products, she is responsible for various accounting and reporting activities.
She has also worked in the Banking sector and has experience in statutory reporting and analysis.
Personally, Angela enjoys spending time with her Family but don’t call her a netball mum.
Keen eye for detail and responsibilities include overseeing Bordereau data.
CLAIMS
National Head of Claims
Barbara Stenning
Barbara leads the team as the National Head of Claims for Berkley Insurance Australia. Barbara’s extensive experience in claims management with a particular focus on the defence of complex litigated and non-litigated claims in all specialty lines of business underwritten by Berkley Insurance Australia makes Barbara one of the insurance industry’s most experienced claims persons. Barbara has worked in various high-profile leadership roles across the insurance industry over a 20-year period. Most notably, Barbara was the CEO of a leading American Insurer, in Australia. Barbara combines these experiences with qualifications in law and health. Barbara’s unique profile brings to her clients a highly developed understanding of a wide and complex range of issues.
Claims Team Leader
Andrew Clark
Andrew has over ten years’ experience in the insurance industry and specialises in financial lines and liability claims. Andrew has been recognised in Insurance Business Magazine’s 2019 Young Guns Award and 2022 Rising Stars.
BIA’s clients have recognised Andrew as a significant member of the Claims team due to his unwavering commitment to doing the right thing every time.
Andrew has completed qualifications in Financial Services and General Insurance through ANZIIF.
Senior Claims Adjuster
Kerry McManus
Kerry is a legally qualified insurance professional specialising in medical
malpractice and professional indemnity. Kerry has experience in claims both nationally and internationally. Kerry started her career in a private litigation practice in Ireland, before moving to Australia and taking up a claims role in a niche allied health insurer. Kerry moved on to work with a major international insurer where she managed a portfolio of high profile
blue-chip clients including private hospitals.
Kerry role at BIA sees her managing a varied portfolio, including significant claims for and health professionals, lawyers and accountants.
Claims Team Leader, Solicitor
Darren Quek
Darren has many years of experience in the insurance industry, starting his career overseas as an auditor for an international accounting firm then later as a solicitor in NSW for several national law firms in the insurance litigation field. Prior to joining BIA, Darren worked inhouse as a claims solicitor for one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains handling its liability claims. Darren’s experience sees him adopting a strategic approach to claims management to achieve an optimal outcome for stakeholders. Darren is responsible for the day-today management of a wide variety of claims nationally in the professional indemnity, public liability and management liability space including claims against health professionals, accountants, lawyers and construction professionals and is a strong addition to the BIA claims team.
Senior Claims Adjuster
Patrick Haselhurst
Patrick is legally qualified and has over 15+ years in the claims departments of major Insurers (AMP, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, and Royal & Sun Alliance/Vero) and 12+ years in private legal practice. His claims and legal insurance experience include Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Product Liability, D&O, Home Warranty, Workers Compensation, ISR, CTP, Property and Travel.
He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the BIA claims team and he is keen to utilise his expertise to support other claims staff. His approach to claims is strategic, commercial and thorough and suits him to complex matters that require strong analytical skills.
Claims Adjuster
Abhishek Chaudhary
Abhi is a thorough and motivated professional with several years’
insurance experience working for a major self-insurer. Abhi has a
naturally empathetic skill set that results in excellence in his service
offering. His analytical mind, as a result of his Masters of Accounting training, and sincere and enthusiastic commitment to work as part of a team that holds client expectations as central to its business makes him ideally suited to be a valuable asset to BIA’s claims team.
Communication sits at the core of Abhi’s value proposition of managing claims proficiently across several lines of BIA’s business.
Claims Adjuster
Raphael Saccasan
Raphael comes from a law background practising in commercial litigation. His expertise in that field moved him into claims handling where he spent the next 6 years working for brokerages including Aon and a start-up company as the sole claims handler.
Raphael decided to expand his career and move to the insurer side of claims by joining award-winning claims team at Berkley Insurance Australia at the beginning of 2020.
Multi Lines Claims Adjuster
Doris Mihajlovic
Doris plays a key role at BIA as a Multi Lines Claims Adjuster, primarily focusing on Public Liability and EPL claims, backed by five years of experience in customer service and three years in the insurance building sector. Her journey of continuous professional growth has recently seen her attain a Cert IV in General Insurance through ANZIIF, enriching her adeptness in general insurance claims management.
Currently, Doris is navigating through the completion of an LPAB, reinforcing her legal acumen in the insurance domain. She also serves as an active committee member of the Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs), ensuring she remains attuned to industry innovations and networking opportunities. Her background empowers her to enhance outcomes via strategic problem-solving and critical thinking, aligning proficiently with BIA’s claims philosophy and focusing on the best outcome for the insured.
Junior Multi Lines Claims Adjuster
Aman Kainth
Amandeep Kainth is a dedicated Junior Multi Lines Claims Adjuster at Berkley Insurance Australia. With a Bachelor in Business majoring in Accounting, he brings a strategic approach to claims handling. Amandeep’s passion for the insurance industry led him to Berkley Insurance Australia in February 2022.
With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for helping clients during challenging times, Amandeep is committed to delivering exceptional service and making a positive impact in the insurance world. Specialising in liability claims, he provides personalised attention to every case. Amandeep’s empathy and analytical skills ensure efficient and effective claim resolutions, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Getting to know us
Championing Coverholder Success at Berkley Insurance Australia
Celebrating Four Consecutive Years as Insurer of the Year 2024
Your Premier Partner in Specialty Insurance