Aon Benfield and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (the Institute) has named Jenna Cooke, an actuary at
Suncorp Commercial Insurance as the winner of the 2014
Aon Benfield Scholarship.
Cooke was awarded the prize for her essay on the topic, “Will the Google car end automobile insurance as we know it?”
As part of her prize, Cooke will attend the 49th annual Aon Benfield Global Clients Reinsurance Seminar in London in June, where she will gain an understanding of the principles and practices of arranging reinsurance on a global scale.
She said: "I'm very excited and thankful to Aon Benfield for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. The chance to not only deepen my knowledge of reinsurance but also to connect with other insurance professionals from around the world is an invaluable experience. I'd also like to thank my managers and colleagues throughout Suncorp for encouraging my participation in this competition and being so supportive of my efforts."
Speaking on behalf of the Institute, CEO
Prue Willsford said: “Jenna's essay showed innovation and breadth of vision regarding the complexity of change and the ongoing evolution of the insurance industry. Her personal commitments to further education and leadership within the industry are also impressive and demonstrated that she is a great example of the future leaders of our industry.”
Aon Benfield has funded the Scholarship for ten years. It was established to recognise an outstanding insurance professional in the Australian and New Zealand insurance markets and emphasise the importance of continuing professional development in all aspects of insurance.
Robert De Souza, President APAC/CEO Australia and New Zealand, Aon Benfield congratulated Cooke and said this year’s competition “attracted a large number of submissions of an extremely high standard.
The Scholarship was determined by a judging panel of industry figures, including:
Robert De Souza – President APAC / CEO Australia & New Zealand, Aon Benfield
Prue Willsford – CEO,
ANZIIF
Jacki Johnson – CEO,
IAG New Zealand Limited
Rob van den Honert – Co-Deputy Director, Risk Frontiers,
Macquarie University NSW
Tony Smith – Executive manager Group Reinsurance, Suncorp
Stefan Golling – General manager Non-Life, Munich Reinsurance Group
