Making sense of Insurance claims
Our locally based highly experienced claims teams encompass individuals who not only specialise in case management, but who are passionate about helping customers during some of their most challenging moments.
SURA is determined to provide the highest quality of service by exceeding our customers’ expectations, and with 20 plus years of delivering to this standard we have become a trusted leader in terms of our claims management service. Whether you have encountered an event impacting your General, Commercial or Specialty Assets, our expert team are on hand to relieve that stress and get you back to normal as quickly as possible.
Our team understands how stressful dealing with an event can be. That’s why we make our claim process as “hands-off” as possible. We take control of the problem by leveraging our industry knowledge, vast network of experts, and carefully selected trades panel to give you peace of mind when going through a claims process.
We take great pride in our excellent communication and claims handling skills during these difficult times.
Our products and services are provided by separate companies in the SURA Group. For a list of these companies and associated entities click here.
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ANGIE ZISSIS
CEO and Group Head of Underwriting and Placement
Phone: 02 9455 2079
Mobile: 0414 995 670
Angie Zissis is a former Finance Director at Marsh and COO at Aon Australia. He was most recently NSW State Manager at ATC Insurance Solutions. In his current role, Angie is building and leading a new style of underwriting agency in Australia.
BJÖRN MEIER
Chief Operating Officer
Mobile: 0409 487 872
Prior to joining SURA as Chief Operating Officer in July 2020, Bjorn Meier held senior roles at Cover-More Group and QBE in Australia. With a background in management advisory and executive management roles across the financial services sector in South Africa, the UK and the USA, his focus is on process innovation, automation and simplification, while maintaining sound governance and risk control, for increased operational efficiency and effectiveness.
NATHAN HALL
Claims Team Manager
Mobile: 0455 727 887
With over 13 years’ experience in the insurance sectors working in both Australia and New Zealand, Nathan has a wealth of experience in Commercial & Residential Property, Commercial & Private Motor, Strata, Speciality lines of business. Nathan has spent the last 6+ years building, leading and managing high performance teams with a focus on outstanding customer service achieved by a values and coaching first workplace culture. Prior to moving to Australia Nathan was working for Vero Insurance in New Zealand managing a complex claims team for one of New Zealand’s largest Insurers.
In his current role, Nathan is working to establish a world class claims team that delivers under all the SURA brands who set the bar for exceptional claims service.
STEPHEN MEYER
Risk, Compliance and Training Manager
Mobile: 0428 044 585
With over 45 years in general insurance, Stephen brings to SURA a wealth of knowledge and experience from across many facets of the industry.
Prior to joining SURA in April 2016, Stephen had worked for several local and overseas insurers across a wide and diverse range of roles including those in the areas of operational underwriting/portfolio management, training and development, and compliance. Stephen’s unique blend of skills compliments his role at SURA ensuring a more practical and pragmatic approach to risk and compliance solutions.
PAUL ROBINSON
Managing Director
Phone 03 8823 9466
Mobile 0408 148 200
Paul has 30 years financial services experience covering senior management roles, general insurance broking and professional risks underwriting. He is passionate about having built a strong and dynamic underwriting agency that has become a respected brand within the Australian Professional Risk landscape.
JOE LO SURDO
Managing Director
Phone 02 9930 9560
Joe has over 30 years’ experience in the Film and Entertainment Insurance Industry and was previously the Managing Director of Film Insurance Underwriting Agencies (FIUA) and Cinesure, performing these roles for a combined period of over fifteen years.
Joe is responsible for the day-to-day operation of SURA Film and Entertainment Pty Ltd and has full Underwriting authority. Joe is very well regarded amongst Industry professionals, both locally and abroad, as an expert in his field and has been a mainstay in the industry for many years.
Joe is regularly a keynote speaker at conventions and conferences to many leading industry bodies such as the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Australian Cinematography Society (ACS), Fox Studios, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Legalwise Event Seminars, Council of Queensland Insurance brokers INC (CQIB), associations supporting Women in the Entertainment Industry, several Chinese/Australian Film and Financing Conventions, the Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand conference (SPADA), Screen Producers’ Australia conference (SPA).
Joe is a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.
Joe is supported by vibrant staff who pride themselves on outstanding service to the industry.
STEVE BURNETT
CIO & Divisional Executive
Mobile: 0477 711 160
Steve Burnett joined AUB Group in July 2019 and serves as Divisional Executive, Austbrokers Express Cover as well as Chief Information Officer. Steve previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer (Asia Pacific), responsible for Operations and IT at Cover-More Insurance.
Before joining Cover-More, Steve spent 5 ½ years at QBE where he held a number of senior roles, including Head of Technology (Intermediary Distribution), Head of Group Enterprise Applications and Global Analytics Director, Enterprise programmes.
Steve has also held roles with IBM in Australia and South Africa, and worked for Insurance Sector companies such as Liberty Life and First National Bank.
ROSS GILBERT
National Manager SURA Liability and SURA Labour Hire
Mobile 0437 160 037
PAUL BROWN
Managing Director
Mobile 0438 729 886
Paul Brown has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance sector, working in the UK and Australia in senior claims, underwriting and management roles. Paul holds a Business Law honours degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. For the past 15 years Paul has specialised in underwriting Technology and Life Science businesses with the aim of providing exceptional products and service to clients in these niche industry segments. Paul founded and leads SURA Technology Risks with a focus on growing this specialist niche underwriting agency.
SALLY UNDERWOOD
Director
Phone 02 9455 2052
Mobile 0418 129 984
Sally has now spent in excess of 30 years specialising in all aspects of Professional Indemnity and Directors and Officers Liability Insurance. She spent 20 years in the London Insurance market and Lloyd’s of London before moving to Australia where she has continued to focus on all types of financial lines risk. Sally is committed to providing personalised, professional and accurate advice and exceptional service across all facets of insurance and risk management.
Blair Arnot
Director- Construction and Engineering
Phone 03 8823 9470
Mobile 0487 111 195
Blair has over 15 years underwriting experience in both Australia and UK. Blair worked for HSB Australia before heading to London in 2007 where he held underwriting roles at HSB UK, then RSA.
Blair returned to Australia from London and joined SURA in March 2015 as a Senior Engineering Underwriter. Blair completed an Advanced Diploma from the Chartered Insurance Institute in 2013, and is a Senior Associate of ANZIIF.
Michael Holbrook
Director- Construction and Engineering
Phone 08 8184 7541
Mobile 0477 014 495
Michael has over 20 years’ experience in the Engineering and Construction business. Previously working at Lumley Insurance as a Regional Specialty Lines Manager – Engineering and Marine – SA, NT, ACT, Newcastle and WA, he is the newest member of the SURA Construction team.
Relanda Taing
Senior Underwriter
Phone 02 9455 2052
Mobile 0459 958073
Relanda is a specialist underwriter in Professional Indemnity, Management Liability, Medical Malpractice, Directors and Officers, and I.T Liability. She began her career as an Assistant Underwriter concurrently completing her university degree and successfully graduating with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics and Finance. Relanda has built her 20 years’ insurance experience from working for insurance companies and underwriting agencies.
Relanda enjoys partnering with brokers to achieve the best solutions under any circumstances particularly if the circumstances were unusually interesting. She believes providing outstanding service and feasible solutions are the start to achieving a win-win result in this line of business.
Brett Kenyon
Senior Underwriter – QLD
Mobile 0436 335 185
Brett is based in Brisbane and underwrites engineering lines for brokers throughout Queensland. With 20 years in Engineering and Construction insurance as well as industry experience with Siemens Limited, Brett provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise you can call upon.
Brett prides himself on exceptional customer service and is committed to building long term client relationships. He has completed a Cert IV Financial Services – General Insurance and is an Associate of ANZIIF.
Martin Donnelly
Senior Underwriter
Phone 02 9455 2052
Mobile 0429 270 871
Martin has worked in the General Insurance industry for the last 20 years. The first 8 years were spent as a General Insurance Broker with a focus on the SME market and for the last 12 years he has been a Professional Lines underwriter working with a wide range of occupations.
Estelle Smith
Senior Underwriter
Mobile 0407 334 679
With over 30 years’ insurance industry experience across Australia and South Africa, Estelle Smith has been specialising in the Technology & Life Science insurance sectors for more than 10 years.
Before joining SURA in December 2019, Estelle held national management roles for a large multinational insurer with responsibility for Life Science.
In her current role, Estelle is focussed on delivering exceptional products and service to clients operating in the niche Technology and Life Science sectors.
Andy Marjuki
Senior Underwriter
Mobile 0427 678 758
Andy Marjuki is a highly experienced Technology & Life Science senior underwriter who has worked in the insurance industry in Australia for over 14 years in underwriting roles, specialising in niche industry segments and products, including IT Liability, Cyber and Life Science. Andy holds a double degree from Monash University completing both Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Information Technology providing him with a strong background in underwriting IT liability risks. In his current role, Andy is focussed on delivering exceptional products and service to clients operating in the niche Technology and Life Science sectors, with an emphasis on the SME segment as well as the larger and more complex Technology risks.
Juhi Chhillar
Underwriter
Mobile 0459 954 293
Juhi Chhillar is an experienced Technology & Life Science underwriter who has worked in the insurance industry in Australia for 6 years in various specialist underwriting and support roles. Juhi holds a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree. In her current role, Juhi is focussed on delivering exceptional products and service to clients operating in the niche Technology and Life Science sectors.
Cameron Matthee
Underwriting Manager
Phone 03 8823 9451
Cameron joined SURA Construction in 2016 after previously working for a multinational insurer as a Contract Works Underwriter based in Melbourne. Prior to his career in underwriting, Cameron has a background in engineering.
He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, for which he received first class honours, and also a Bachelor of Business Management.
Rochelle Gray
Underwriter
Phone 02 9930 9507
Rochelle has been working in the General Insurance industry for over 5 years. Her primary experience is with an Underwriting Agency and she has also worked with an insurance brokerage. Her specialisation is in General Liability and Professional Indemnity. She is dedicated and passionate about her work and building relationships.
Lawrence Nguyen
Underwriter / Business Analyst
Phone 02 9455 2073
Lawrence brings with him an academic background in applied finance and economics, along with 5 years of financial services experience covering accountancy, corporate banking and general insurance underwriting. He believes in understanding “the whole picture”, and strives to apply his skills and knowledge to meet the goals of everyone.
Renee Wagg
Senior Underwriter – Located in Vic
Phone 03 6231 7700
(Extn 2653)
BETH LARGE
Assistant Underwriter (Located in NSW)
Phone 03 6231 7700
(Extn 2656)
SARAH PURTELL
Underwriter
Phone 02 9930 9553
Sarah joined the Film and Entertainment insurance industry with Film Insurance Underwriting Agencies (FIUA) in 2011 with previous years of customer service experience in the hospitality industry.
Sarah has gained a number of different skills over the years from working in various roles from receptionist to now an Assistant Underwriter and continues to strive towards achieving goals and growing within the industry. She has completed a Cert III in Hospitality & Tourism, Cert IV in Frontline Business Management and Cert IV in General Insurance. Sarah is passionate towards health and fitness, loves working as a team and enjoys facing new challenges.
NICOLE TRAN
Underwriter
Phone 02 9930 9560
Nicole joined the SURA Film and Entertainment team in 2019 from Austbrokers ABS Strata where she held the position of Account Executive.
Her move into underwriting stemmed from an interest in playing an advisory role to brokers and expanding her knowledge of the risk management chain.
Nicole’s industry knowledge and detailed insight into broker/client relationships underpins her approach to underwriting and service delivery.
She holds Masters degrees in Financial Analysis and Taxation from UNSW.
PAUL KERRY
Assistant Underwriter
Phone 02 9930 9560
Paul joined SURA after nine years’ experience in the industry both as an underwriter and more recently a broker.
He enjoys working in the industry because it provides an opportunity to assist people with their insurance queries or problems.
He has completed a degree in Communications from the University of Newcastle.
In his spare time, he enjoys languages, listening to music, reading and travelling.
CAROL TAYLOR
Technical Claims Manager
Carol has over 30 years’ experience working in Claims. She commenced her career at Mercantile Mutual in Hobart, working in the Motor Claims Department, reaching the position of State Claims Supervisor before making a move in 1997 to Mercantile Mutual in Sydney.
Achievements during her time at Mercantile Mutual included implementing a computer-based training program, establishing relationships with Brokers and providing assistance and training to the claims team to ensure that claims were processed efficiently and effectively.
Carol’s current role is Technical Claims Manager and she is passionate about achieving equitable outcomes for brokers and clients.
MEGAN WARDELL
Administration Assistant
Phone 02 9930 9551
Megan joined SURA Film and Entertainment in early 2016. Megan has many interests including photography and athletics. She has reached state titles in both Cross Country and Athletics throughout her youth. Megan is eager to learn and looks forward to a bright future with SURA Film and Entertainment.
DYLAN FIFITA
Assistant Underwriter
Phone 02 9930 9560
Mobile 0451 347 384
Dylan started out in the insurance industry in 2012 straight out of high school. Starting off as an assistant underwriter for TLC insurance then moving to Sydney from New Zealand to pick up broking, to then move back into underwriting when the opportunity came about with Sura Film and Entertainment. He has completed his Certificate in General insurance through ANZIIF. In his spare time he enjoys travelling, hanging out with family and friends and getting out on to the golf course as much as possible.
MATTHEW ETHEREDGE
National Manager
Phone 03 8823 9404
Matt Etheredge is national manager of SURA Australian Bus and Coach, with 20 years’ general insurance experience across claims, business development, underwriting and management.
Since joining SURA Australian Bus and Coach in 2010, he has leveraged his passion for the bus and coach segment’s brokers, state and national associations and bus operators to enhance the specialist underwriter’s position as the leading underwriter for the bus and coach industry in Australia.
As national manager, he is leading SURA Australian Bus and Coach towards an even stronger future partnership with the sector, building on the underwriter’s legacy over the last 38 years.
TONY LA ROCCA
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Tony has over 11 years General Insurance experience, including Commercial Motor Fleet Underwriting and Claims Management, Business Relationship, and Risk Management.
Now at ABCUA, Tony is working closely with all stakeholders in the Bus & Coach Industry to maintain existing and build new relationships with our Intermediary Partners, State and National Bus Associations, as well as our most valued Bus & Coach Operators.
TAIYA BAGLEY
Motor Underwriter NSW, WA and SA
Taiya commenced with Australian Bus & Coach in 2005 as Administration Assistant.
In 2013 Taiya took on the role as Administration & Underwriting Assistant for Latitude Alpine providing Property & Liability Insurance for Ski Lodges & Snow Accommodation.
In mid 2014 Latitude Alpine was consolidated to become SURA Hospitality where she expanded her Property & Liability Insurance knowledge to also include Leisure & Tourism risks.
After a brief time with the SURA Hospitality team she returned to her strengths, at the start of 2016, in specialising in Bus & Coach Underwriting at Australian Bus & Coach
MICHELLE BAGLEY
Administration Manager / Melbourne Accounts
Michelle commenced in the early 1980’s in Life Assurance and also helped to create the first ‘industry specific’ Employee Superannuation policy, which was for the Motor Trade.
In 1989 Michelle moved to Financial Planning with Wymond Brothers Financial Planning, a branch of Wymond Brothers Insurance Brokers. Wymond Brothers are the same team that created Australian Bus & Coach Underwriting in 1979. In 1991 Michelle transferred from Financial Planning to commence as a Receptionist & Administration Clerk for Australian Bus & Coach Underwriting.
Michelle has had various roles within ABC, from Administration, Liability & Motor Vehicle Underwriting, to helping claims when required. Her main role is Office Administration & Accounts.
Michelle enjoys the work that she does, and ensures that our Brokers and Clients receive the efficient and personal service that we pride ourselves on.
KAREN AABRYN
Motor Underwriter (TAS), Depot and Liability Underwriter (Australia-wide)
Karen has over 25 years of experience in the Insurance Industry with the last 14 years working for Australian Bus and Coach.
Karen’s extensive understanding of general insurance over this period along with 3 years as a claims officer has helped her develop the role of underwriter for both Property, Liability and more recently Motor Insurance for Australian Bus & Coach.
Karen has an enthusiastic approach to underwriting and a keen desire to assist our intermediaries and clients.
GLENN MCINTYRE
Business Development Motor Underwriter TAS, VIC, ACT, QLD and NT
A reliable and dependable professional, Glenn has over 12 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Commencing his career at IAG, then Lumley, he has been with ABCUA since 2012.
Having a solid claims and underwriting background, Glenn has an excellent understanding of his trade. Brokers genuinely want to work with Glenn, primarily due to his knowledge, high levels of ethics and service.




NICOLE MARTIN
Assistant Underwriter (Located in TAS)
Phone 03 6231 7700
(Extn 2651)

HANNAH BURGESS
Administration Assistant (Located in TAS)
Phone 03 6231 7700
(Extn 2654)
SELINA LEZES
SURA Marketing Manager
Mobile: 0413 302 131
Selina Lezes has over 18 years’ experience in the insurance industry including over 8 years with the Austagencies group. As SURA Marketing Manager, Selina works closely with the Group CEO and Agency Managers to design and implement the groups marketing strategy.
ALLAN MCMASTER
National Underwriting Development Manager
Mobile: 0411 011 723