Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
As a people and culture professional, Mary Cooper brings to the table a unique blend of robust communication skills, a commitment to streamlining processes and an unwavering dedication to creating meaningful employee experiences. Throughout her 11-year journey at Youi, she’s had the privilege of collaborating with exceptionally inspiring people and culture and professionals and experts in the broader realm of insurance operations.
Cooper’s career has been graced with opportunities to engineer enduring solutions across various areas of business. She thrives on taking intricate or unappealing processes and transforming them into enjoyable experiences. She believes in the power of curiosity, and she’s unapologetically inquisitive when it comes to understanding challenges and needs and dispelling common misconceptions.
Cooper has come to realise that having a good idea is just the beginning. The real test lies in one’s ability to weave a compelling narrative, foster collaboration, ignite engagement and overcome challenges. To deliver optimal outcomes for all stakeholders, she considers clear communication and the cultivation of robust relationships as the cornerstones for refining these ideas into something truly valuable.
In her relentless pursuit of personal growth, Cooper has embarked on a captivating journey to explore the art and science of risk management in her current role as a people and culture risk specialist. This new chapter allows her to further expand her skill set and contribute to the success of her organisation. Cooper is excited to continue pushing boundaries and making a difference in the world of people and culture.
2 Smart Drive, Sippy Downs
13 11 17
mediaenquiries@youi.com
linkedin.com/in/mary-coop
youi.com.au
Mary Cooper
People and Culture Risk Specialist
Youi Insurance
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Bio
Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2014
2016
2021
Present
2022
Joined Youi’s HR team as an administrator
2014
Promoted to HR advisor, joining a small team of experienced and supportive colleagues
2016
Became an HR business partner, supporting the claims management team with their people and performance activities; led the project to redesign how to support employees to perform
2021
People and Culture Risk Specialist at Youi Insurance
Internal Youi Awards – Overall Team Member of the Year
People and Culture Star of the Year
Present
Obtained Associate Portfolio Manager licensing requirements
Completed IIROC courses: CSC, CPH, WME, IATP, AIS, PMT, AIS
2022
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”