NIBA appoints Marsh executive to board as director steps down

insurancebusinessmag.com · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Director has worked in underwriting and sports broking across markets The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has appointed Marsh executive Kirsten Mills (pictured) to its board following its annual general meeting in Sydney, with long‑serving director Gary Okely concluding more than a decade of service. Mills takes the seat previously held by Okely. According to NIBA, she has experience across underwriting and broking, including in sports insurance, and has held roles in both the Australian and London markets. NIBA said she has led what it describes as the largest dedicated sports insurance broking team in Australia. Okely used his departure from the board to reflect on developments within the association and the broking profession during his tenure. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to have served on the NIBA board for over a decade. Looking back, I am extremely proud of the culture that continues to flourish at NIBA, bringing the entire profession together. This culture is a testament to the shared pride and the high level of passion that brokers have in serving clients,” he said. Okely also commented on Mills’ appointment. “I’m sure Kirsten will be a fantastic addition to the NIBA board and contribute to the profession as it continues to evolve over this decade. She joins the board at an exciting time, and I wish her the very best in the role, knowing that her contribution to the future of NIBA will be highly valued,” he said. NIBA president Nick Cook acknowledged Okely’s tenure on the board and welcomed Mills as a new director. NIBA CEO Richard Klipin also thanked Okely for his contribution and said he looked forward to working with Mills as NIBA progresses its current program of regulatory engagement and member initiatives. The current NIBA board comprises: James Baum – WTW Ben Bessell – AUB Group Nick Cook – Steadfast Group Steven Hill – Queensland representative Kirsten Mills – Marsh Greg Mullins – Envest Group Dianne Phelan – South Australia/Northern Territory representative Brett Piggott – Western Australia representative Stella Pruscino – Victoria/Tasmania representative Mark Saunderson – Gallagher Lynette Walsh – Aon Rebecca Wilson – New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory representative Consultation period opens on revised Insurance Brokers Code of Practice The board transition comes as NIBA enters the next stage of its review of the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, opening consultation on proposed revisions and launching a member consultation initiative, “Your Voice, Your Code.” The consultation follows an independent review completed in December, which made 14 recommendations to change and update the code. NIBA released a formal response in January and is now seeking views from members and stakeholders on how the recommendations should be applied in broking businesses of different scale and structure. NIBA describes the code as a central element of self‑regulation for the intermediated general insurance sector, setting expectations for how brokers work with clients and other parties. “The code is how our profession collectively demonstrates its ongoing commitment to self-regulation. That’s why our next chapter should be shaped by you, our members, and code subscribers, who live it every day. On behalf of NIBA, I invite all members to have their say in the consultation process. Your insight will help ensure the code continues to reflect the highest professional standards and stays fit-for-purpose in an evolving landscape,” Klipin said. The “Your Voice, Your Code” campaign will run during the consultation period and is intended to draw feedback from senior brokers and those earlier in their careers. Consultation is open from Feb. 16 to April 2, 2026, with submissions due by 5pm AEDT on April 2. Members can provide feedback through an online form on NIBA’s website, by email, or by attending online member workshops to be held in March. NIBA will also host a webinar, “From Review to Reality: Delivering a Future-Ready Code,” on Feb. 25, 2026, at 3pm AEDT, outlining the review to date and proposed next steps. External stakeholders – including consumer advocates, industry bodies, regulators, and government agencies – have also been invited to lodge submissions by email within the consultation window. Code Review Committee chair Di Phelan said earlier stakeholder input during the independent review had informed the current phase. “I acknowledge the valuable contributions made by our stakeholders through the Independent Review process, which have provided an important foundation and have paved the way forward. Stakeholder input in invaluable as their perspectives will help ensure the code continues to reflect community expectations, responds to a changing environment, and reinforces the trust that underpins the broker–client relationship,” Phelan said. NIBA sets out policy priorities with new Opposition frontbench NIBA has also outlined its policy focus following changes in the federal Opposition leadership, after the election of the Hon Angus Taylor MP as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Party, Senator the Hon Jane Hume as Deputy Leader, and the announcement of a new shadow ministry. The association noted the continuation of Pat Conaghan MP as Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Financial Services, and the appointment of the Hon Tim Wilson MP as Shadow Treasurer, describing these roles as important for its engagement on financial services and insurance issues. “Mr Taylor has identified the cost of living and affordability as key priorities for the Coalition, issues that resonate strongly with the insurance broking profession and the communities we serve. We also welcome the retention of Mr Conaghan in the financial services portfolio. NIBA has established a constructive working relationship with Mr Conaghan and looks forward to continuing it under the new Shadow Ministry,” Klipin said. NIBA has restated its focus on insurance affordability and availability, including the impact of insurance‑based taxes and levies on premiums for households and businesses. The association says it will continue to call for coordinated action on these charges, alongside public investment in disaster mitigation and climate resilience to support insurability across regions exposed to natural hazards. NIBA also acknowledged the contributions of the Hon Sussan Ley MP and Ted O’Brien MP in their previous roles as Opposition leader and deputy leader. Klipin said the association intends to continue working with both sides of politics on settings that support a general insurance market in which consumers can access cover and obtain advice through brokers. Related Stories