Profile
"West Oak’s success has come from always putting our clients’ best interests first and always finding ways to improve and add more value to them"
Andrew mcquiston,
west oak family office, wellington-altus private wealth
Like many insurance brokers, Retha Van Der Merwe fell into the industry without completely understanding what she got herself into – and must have liked what she saw because she’s still in the same industry after 37 years. She believes that this field offers fantastic opportunities for all types of people and skillsets, and once in, not many professionals leave.
With over three decades of experience in three countries, Retha has expert knowledge and passion for complex risks, and is known as a trusted insurance advisor for businesses, from start-ups to large listed companies. She started her own brokerage at 21, and learned by soaking up everything related to general insurance like a sponge. Today, Retha acknowledges the influence of some wonderful mentors who have guided her progress during the wonderful old days when being a broker did not require a license. The brokerage profession in Australia changed for the better in 2003, the same year that she became one of the first brokers in the country to obtain an Australian Financial Services license.
Moving her family from South Africa to New Zealand in 1994 – when she was barely able to speak English – and continuing her career journey enabled her to experience different norms, a new country and a new language. Relocating with two small children was proof that she and her husband loved to challenge themselves. Then, the family moved to Australia in 1999 to take advantage of a huge opportunity – purchasing Omnisure as a small concern and turning it into a successful brokerage for the past 22 years. Omnisure is very much a family business with her husband working as CFO and business partner and their two sons also participating in the operations.
As a risk management professional, Retha has always enjoyed interacting with her clients and listening to stories of how they set up a business like hers. She enjoys spending time getting to know her clients and understanding their business in depth while formulating ways to advise them on the risks they face. Her clients are from a wide variety of industries and every day provides different challenges, so she always tells new staff members, “If you get bored in a broking position, then I’m not sure what would hold your attention”. Clients keep Retha and her team on their toes because their businesses are often transforming while the risks they are exposed to are constantly evolving. At the same time, the
approach of many insurers has significantly changed in the last few years, making Omnisure’s work continually challenging.
The company provides expert advice, quality products, as well as fast and fair claims resolution to businesses of all sizes. Omnisure’s team members are dynamic, knowledgeable and experienced in creating tailored insurance solutions for their clients. They are also aware that being a great insurance broker requires creativity and genuine care for the people and businesses they look after. This mindset enables Omnisure to provide unique services that lead to long-term relationships.
Some of Retha’s achievements are 98% client retention, book growth in excess of 20% year on year, two decades of continuous growth as principal of the brokerage, low staff turnover, and a happy family life. She was an in-house insurance broker for the Pretoria Bar Association and has received a Women in Insurance award.
Suite 41.06, 225 George Street, Sydney,
NSW 2000, Australia
04 0303 0008
retha@omnisure.com.au
linkedin.com/in/rethavandermerwe
omnisure.com.au
Retha
Van Der Merwe
Executive Director
Omnisure
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Like many insurance brokers, Retha Van Der Merwe fell
into the industry without completely understanding what she got herself into – and must have liked what she saw because she’s still in the same industry after 37 years. She believes that this field offers fantastic opportunities for all types of people and skillsets, and once in, not many
professionals leave.
With over three decades of experience in three countries, Retha has expert knowledge and passion for complex risks, and is known as a trusted insurance advisor for businesses, from start-ups to large listed companies. She started her own brokerage at 21, and learned by soaking up everything related to general insurance like a sponge. Today, Retha acknowledges the influence of some wonderful mentors who have guided her progress during the wonderful old days when being a broker did not require a license. The brokerage profession in Australia changed for the better in 2003, the same year that she became one of the first brokers in the country to obtain an Australian Financial Services license.
Moving her family from South Africa to New Zealand in 1994 – when she was barely able to speak English – and continuing her career journey enabled her to experience different norms, a new country and a new language. Relocating with two small children was proof that she and her husband loved to challenge themselves. Then, the family moved to Australia in 1999 to take advantage of a huge opportunity – purchasing Omnisure as a small concern and turning it into a successful brokerage for the past 22 years. Omnisure is very much a family business with her husband working as CFO and business partner and their two sons also participating in the operations.
As a risk management professional, Retha has always enjoyed interacting with her clients and listening to stories of how they set up a business like hers. She enjoys spending time getting to know her clients and understanding their business in depth while formulating ways to advise them on the risks they face. Her clients are from a wide variety of industries and every day provides different challenges, so she always tells new staff members, “If you get bored in a broking position, then I’m not sure what would hold your attention”. Clients keep Retha and her team on their toes because their businesses are often transforming while the risks they are exposed to are constantly evolving. At the same time, the approach of many insurers has significantly changed in the last few years, making Omnisure’s work continually challenging.
The company provides expert advice, quality products, as well as fast and fair claims resolution to businesses of all sizes. Omnisure’s team members are dynamic, knowledgeable and experienced in creating tailored insurance solutions for their clients. They are also aware that being a great insurance broker requires creativity and genuine care for the people and businesses they look after. This mindset enables Omnisure to provide unique services that lead to long-term relationships.
Some of Retha’s achievements are 98% client retention, book growth in excess of 20% year on year, two decades of continuous growth as principal of the brokerage, low staff turnover, and a happy family life. She was an in-house insurance broker for the Pretoria Bar Association and has received a Women in Insurance award.
Retha
Van Der Merwe
Executive Director
Omnisure
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Like many insurance brokers, Retha Van Der Merwe fell into the industry without completely understanding what she got herself into – and must have liked what she saw because she’s still in the same industry after 37 years. She believes that this field offers fantastic opportunities for all types of people and skillsets, and once in, not many professionals leave.
With over three decades of experience in three countries, Retha has expert knowledge and passion for complex risks, and is known as a trusted insurance advisor for businesses, from start-ups to large listed companies. She started her own brokerage at 21, and learned by soaking up everything related to general insurance like a sponge. Today, Retha acknowledges the influence of some wonderful mentors who have guided her progress during the wonderful old days when being a broker did not require a license. The brokerage profession in Australia changed for the better in 2003, the same year that she became one of the first brokers in the country to obtain an Australian Financial Services license.
Moving her family from South Africa to New Zealand in 1994 – when she was barely able to speak English – and continuing her career journey enabled her to experience different norms, a new country and a new language. Relocating with two small children was proof that she and her husband loved to challenge themselves. Then, the family moved to Australia in 1999 to take advantage of a huge opportunity – purchasing Omnisure as a small concern and turning it into a successful brokerage for the past 22 years. Omnisure is very much a family business with her husband working as CFO and business partner and their two sons also participating in the operations.
As a risk management professional, Retha has always enjoyed interacting with her clients and listening to stories of how they set up a business like hers. She enjoys spending time getting to know her clients and understanding their business in depth while formulating ways to advise them on the risks they face. Her clients are from a wide variety of industries and every day provides different challenges, so she always tells new staff members, “If you get bored in a broking position, then I’m not sure what would hold your attention”. Clients keep Retha and her team on their toes because their businesses are often transforming while the risks they are exposed to are constantly evolving. At the same time, the approach of many insurers has significantly changed in the last few years, making Omnisure’s work continually challenging.
The company provides expert advice, quality products, as well as fast and fair claims resolution to businesses of all sizes. Omnisure’s team members are dynamic, knowledgeable and experienced in creating tailored insurance solutions for their clients. They are also aware that being a great insurance broker requires creativity and genuine care for the people and businesses they look after. This mindset enables Omnisure to provide unique services that lead to long-term relationships.
Some of Retha’s achievements are 98% client retention, book growth in excess of 20% year on year, two decades of continuous growth as principal of the brokerage, low staff turnover, and a happy family life. She was an in-house insurance broker for the Pretoria Bar Association and has received a Women in Insurance award.
Milestones
2021-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Managing director at Omnisure
Recognised as an Elite Broker by Insurance Business Australia, 2021
2021 to present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2000-present
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Acquired Omnisure in 2000 as a small going concern and built it over the
past 22 years into an expert,
dynamic brokerage where all four family members are involved
2000-present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1999
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Moved to Australia to pursue
a brokerage career
1999
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1994
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Relocated with her family from South Africa to New Zealand when her younger son was only two months old
1994
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1985
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Started her own brokerage in
South Africa at the age of 21
1985
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1985
1994
1999
2000-present
2021 to present
Retha Van Der Merwe
Managing Director
Omnisure
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2020
2019
2018
2020-2021
2014-2022
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
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2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
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2020-2021
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Received Lexology Client Choice Award (Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2014-2022
human resources | key media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Milestones
Career Accolades
2021–present
2000-present
1999
1994
1985
2021-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Managing director at Omnisure
Recognised as an Elite Broker by Insurance Business Australia, 2021
2021 to present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2000-present
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Acquired Omnisure in 2000 as a small going concern and built it over the past 22 years into an expert, dynamic brokerage where all four family members are involved
2000-present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1999
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Moved to Australia to pursue a brokerage career
1999
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1994
Human Resources Magazine | key media
Relocated with her family from South Africa to New Zealand when her younger son was only two months old
1994
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1985
human resources | key media
Started her own brokerage in South Africa at the age of 21
1985
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Career Highlights
2020
2019
2018
2020-2021
2014-2022
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Receive an excellence award
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2020-2021
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Lexology
Client Choice Award
(Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2014-2022
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Best Lawyer in
Canada Award
(Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Career Accolades
Milestones
Milestones
2020
2019
2018
2020-2021
2014-2022
2020
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Receive an excellence award
2020
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2019
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
TeD Talk Speaker
2019
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2018
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
title of milestone
2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2020-2021
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Lexology Client Choice Award (Labour and Employment – Canada)
2020-2021
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2014-2022
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Received Best Lawyer in Canada Award (Employment and Labour Law)
2014-2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Career Accolades
Milestones
2021 to present
2000-present
1999
1994
1985
2021-2022
Insurance Business Magazine | Key Media
Managing director at Omnisure
Recognised as an Elite Broker by Insurance Business Australia, 2021
2021 to present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
2000-present
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Acquired Omnisure in 2000 as a small
going concern and built it over the past 22 years into an expert, dynamic brokerage where
all four family members are involved
2000-present
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1999
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Moved to Australia to pursue a brokerage career
1999
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1994
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Relocated with her family from South Africa to New Zealand when her younger son was only two months old
1994
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
1985
Ted Talk in collaboration with key media
Started her own brokerage in South Africa
at the age of 21
1985
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. A volutpat laoreet suscipit duis. Diam aliquam sed ut massa viverra a, eget libero.
Milestones
