Headquarters:
Level 3, 213 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Year founded:
1996
Number of employees:
203
Phone:
(02) 9966 8820
Email:
info@chu.com.au
Website:
gtins.com.au
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/global-transport-&-automotive-insurance-solutions-pty-ltd
“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”
Brett Bastow, IQumulate Premium FundinG
Tony Dodd
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Kindred
General Manager, Information Technology
Ben Briscoe
General Manager, Underwriting and Technical Services
Leadership
Tony Dodd is the CEO of GT Insurance. With a strong customer-centric disposition and a passion for employee engagement, Dodd enthusiastically promotes the GT company value of fairness. His skills, values and ambitions have been formulated from his 28 years of working in the general insurance industry, commencing as a junior clerk, working through claims, underwriting and sales.
Combining this exposure with many volunteer hours supporting various community charities has encouraged Dodd’s ingrained values of humility, empathy and service. With an upbeat and positive nature, he embraces change and encourages others to seek opportunities to fulfill their vision with his skills in goal achievement.
Away from work, Dodd continues to work with charities. He is the father of three teenage children and gives credit to his better half, Bree, for keeping him grounded and focused.
Chief Executive Officer
Tony Dodd
Chris Kindred is the general manager of information technology at GT Insurance. He has over 25 years of experience in general insurance and has enjoyed various roles in management, claims and underwriting. He has spent the past 15 years at GT Insurance committed to building a dynamic and profitable business with a highly successful culture.
Kindred is keenly focused on delivering market-leading customer service and developing business efficiencies through the effective use of technology. He is passionate about growing an agile agency business that is responsive to changing customer needs.
General Manager, Information Technology
Chris Kindred
Ben Briscoe is the general manager of underwriting and technical services at GT Insurance. With a Bachelor of Business in Banking and Finance, a Graduate Certificate in Insurance and Risk Management and a Master of Commerce, his general insurance career spans more than 13 years. Briscoe joined GT in 2021, bringing specialised skills in product and portfolio management, motor fleet underwriting, and complex placements. He is a senior associate of ANZIIF, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and was also the 2011 valedictorian for Victoria University (Business School), one of his proudest achievements. Away from his day job, Briscoe enjoys creative writing and storytelling, volunteering with organisations that help others grow and succeed, and generally ‘nerding out’ on all things insurance.
General Manager, Underwriting and Technical Services
Ben Briscoe
BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs
Leadership
Leadership
Darryl Martin
General Manager, Market Development
Darryl Martin is the general manager for market development at GT Insurance. During his 17-year insurance career, including eight years with GT, he has developed specialised skills in leadership, relationship management, business development, plant and machinery, and risk management. Martin is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). Martin holds a Master of Business Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Business from the University of Western Australia. He has also completed Executive Education in Strategy and Leadership at AIM. A keen car enthusiast and passionate blue-water game fisherman, Martin enjoys keeping fit and being outdoors with his family. He lists his greatest personal achievement as completing his MBA with two young and energetic daughters.
General Manager, Market Development
Darryl Martin
Shelagh Bock
General Manager, Marine
Shelagh Bock is the general manager for marine at GT Insurance. With extensive industry experience gained over more than 30 years, she was the first – and still only – female state manager in the history of Associated Marine Insurers. Bock has spent the past six years with AM&T and brings expertise in most facets of insurance operations across marine, property and motor. With a deep understanding of how the various components “bolt together” and a keen eye for detail, she is a specialist at drafting policy wordings. Bock holds a Masters in Maritime and Logistics Management, a Certificate of Governance and Risk Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She is also a fellow of ANZIIF and a member of WISTA (the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association). Bock enjoys dancing, cooking and reading detective fiction.
General Manager, Marine
Shelagh Bock
Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues.
In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has:
• experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year
• improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40%
• significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience
• expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group
Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers.
The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”
Wayne Tower,
IQumulate Premium Funding
Marc Gross
Chief Financial Officer
Kristie Barber
Human Resources Manager
Greg Walsh
General Manager, Corporate Services and General Counsel
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Marc Gross is the CFO at GT Insurance. His financial career spans more than 34 years in the insurance industry. He joined the GT leadership team in 2022, bringing unrivalled expertise as a senior insurance accounting specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Business – Accounting, Master of Commerce and is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). Outside of his professional life, Gross enjoys tennis and trivia and has a keen interest in politics. Despite receiving numerous industry accolades over the years, he lists 31 years of marriage and raising his three daughters as his greatest achievements.
Chief Financial Officer
Marc Gross
Kristie Barber is the Human Resources Manager at GT Insurance. During her 20-year career, she has held senior HR positions in a variety of sectors in Australia, New Zealand and the UK and brings hands-on experience across a broad spectrum of HR-related topics. Kristie has 10 years of experience in the insurance industry in HR roles and joined GT Insurance in June 2023. Her areas of specialism include people leadership, employment relations, change management, reward and remuneration, organisational design and development, recruitment, performance management and coaching. Kristie holds a degree in psychology and organisational studies from the University of Auckland and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.
Human Resources Manager
Kristie Barber
Greg Walsh is the general manager of corporate services and general counsel at GT Insurance. A registered solicitor with the Law Society of NSW, his insurance industry career spans more than 36 years. Since joining GT Insurance in 2011, he has played a pivotal role in successfully guiding the business through its many regulatory obligations and is a specialist in matters relating to regulatory, legal, compliance, and dispute resolution. Walsh holds a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (UTS), a Diploma of Law (Barristers and Solicitors Admission Boards) and a Diploma of General Insurance (Australian College Commerce and Management). He is also a member of the Law Society of NSW and the Australian Insurance Lawyers Association. Away from the office, you’re likely to find Walsh running, playing tennis and generally keeping fit.
General Manager, Corporate Services and General Counsel
Greg Walsh
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view.
IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance.
“We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.
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Commercial motor
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, with the potential to allow IQumulate to capture a larger market share, whilst continuing to deliver service excellence to clients.”
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
https://iqumulate.com/
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company.
“We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.”
Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate.
“Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”
What does IQumulate have in mind for the future?
“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur.
“Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share.
“As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Commercial Manager
Stephen McMillan
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Claire Watson
Product Manager
Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager.
As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.
Product Manager
Claire Watson
Similarly, brokers can expect:
top-in-class service
fast response times
competitive financing options
annual re-marketing of policies to get the best deal
hassle-free claims experience
dynamic brokers eager to impress who do not take the business for granted
“Our brokers understand their clients’ business needs and pair them with the right product and appropriate level of cover for any foreseeable risk or contingency”
Cynthia Yap,
Dynamic Insurance Services
“Our brokers are encouraged to ‘specialise’ in a market niche because it allows them to negotiate an insurance scheme with the underwriters for the most competitive insurance premiums”
Cynthia Yap,
Dynamic Insurance Services
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GT Insurance is an award-winning specialist underwriting agency that has been catering to the needs of fleet and heavy vehicle operators for over 25 years. Fully backed by Allianz Australia Insurance, it stands as Australia’s most diverse commercial motor underwriting agency. This position was further enhanced in early 2023 through a strategic partnership with AM&T, specialists in the Australian marine and transit insurance market.
Today, GT retains a strong local presence in metro and regional markets throughout Australia. This allows the firm to move quickly for its brokers and their customers when needed most. The approach consistently earns recognition for the strength of relationships, the quality of solutions, and claims and customer service excellence.
Culturally, GT Insurance was founded on the concept of “fairness”. Today, this principle is demonstrated across all parts of the business, guiding decision-making processes and interactions with policyholders, brokers, service providers and, of course, the team. The belief is that fairness in the workplace creates a positive environment for employees to thrive, both professionally and personally, which is a critical factor in ongoing growth and success.
GT Insurance is also a major sponsor of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2020 focused on developing a national mental health strategy for truck drivers, distribution centres and warehouse staff.
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the best mentorship and support for whatever stage of their business or clientele
one of Australia’s most attractive commission rates
Ms Yap’s own experience drove her to devise a viable broker model and commission structure that can support many startup brokers with a fast-growing clientele.
This allows for a greater number of authorised representatives who are incentivised to target particular industries to maximise economies of scale, while a robust IT and support system ensures that brokers can offer the best possible service 24/7.
“Our clients never have to wait longer than two hours for a response, and our brokers are contactable over the weekends for urgent claims,” says Ms Yap. “Our brokers understand their clients’ business needs and pair them with the right product and appropriate level of cover for any foreseeable risk or contingency.”
The firm has made extensive efforts to refine its offering, and in 2019, it commissioned a comprehensive competitor review of the broker network market and found several gaps in the support for smaller independent brokers. This resulted in a significant investment in IT infrastructure to onboard brokers from anywhere in Australia. The tiers in the commission structure were simplified to make it more attractive for the smaller independent brokers to join while providing them Steadfast member benefits.
Dynamic Insurance Services is also continuing to boost its growth with initiatives such as:
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a 12-month branding and marketing campaign
investment in digital assets and content that can support the marketing efforts of brokers
strengthening their stable specialised insurance schemes to offer even better value for money for clients
Ms Yap says, “We have a supportive work environment with an emphasis on mentorship and wellbeing. This is especially helpful for female insurance professionals, who often have to balance professional goals with family duties. We actively encourage brokers to break new ground by establishing market niches and insurance schemes that best leverage their experience and contacts.”
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Ivan Verescuk
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Shaun O’Brien
Head of Underwriting
Emily Walker
Head of Strata and Development
Rex Oakman
Head of Operations and Risk
Sandy Newton
Head of Underwriting
Andrew Mitchell
Manager – NSW
Michael Prokopis
Manager – Southern Region
Pam Chhabra
Manager – Residential Strata
Jeffrey Valdivia
Manager – Commercial Strata
Adam Basaldella
Manager – Claims
