Win-Li Toh awarded Insurance Leader of the Year 2023

Held at The Star Casino in Sydney on 24 August, the 19^th Australian Insurance Industry Awards brought together hundreds of professionals to celebrate excellence in the sector throughout the past year.

Presenting the award for Insurance Leader of the Year 2023, Dr Michael Neary, of DXC Technology, said Win-Li was being recognised for her outstanding leadership and impact that extends far beyond her day-to-day role. “Win-Li advocates for the industry as a whole and has brought pivotal insights, including on the role of insurers in addressing cyber risk. She is an articulate, proactive leader and creative thinker.”

He added Win-Li had fostered collaboration between government and other major stakeholders, an example of her “shining leadership and the goodwill she has brought the industry”.

ANZIIF described the win as a unanimous decision by the judging panel, praising her wider community and media work spotlighting general insurance. It acknowledged her international mindset to problem solving, involving more than 25 years advising clients around the world.

“Win-Li advocates for the industry as a whole and has brought pivotal insights, including on the role of insurers in addressing cyber risk. She is an articulate, proactive leader and creative thinker.”

In accepting the award, Win-Li emphasised the value of generosity and bringing people together across industry, government and business to solve some of societies biggest problems, such as cyber threats.

“It’s so important, especially as the industry – and the world – has to step up to face ever more complex challenges – including but certainly not limited to cyber risk.”

She added that sharing knowledge and collaboration were key to making meaningful connections. “Keep coming together, speaking openly with one another and sharing your skills and knowledge.

“In this age of viral misinformation, I truly believe that with open-minded, generous dialogue, informed by the thoughtful application of evidence-based data, there really is nothing we can’t solve.”

Judges noted Win-Li’s contribution as lead author of the Actuaries Institute’s Green Paper, Cyber Risk and the Role of Insurance, promoting a collaborative approach between government and the private sector to understand how to best address systemic threats in cyber insurance policies.

“In this age of viral misinformation, I truly believe that with open-minded, generous dialogue, informed by the thoughtful application of evidence-based data, there really is nothing we can’t solve.”

The report was welcomed by the Insurance Council of Australia, with CEO Andrew Hall saying it “provides yet another opportunity to discuss how industry and government can work in partnership to tackle this significant challenge”.

Win-Li further contributed between 2020 and 2022, as Chair of the Actuaries Institute General Insurance Practice Committee, supporting several public policy submissions to APRA. These covered issues such as the new cyclone reinsurance pool, AASB17, artificial intelligence and anti-discrimination insurance. In this role, she also mentored the next generation of insurance professionals, working closely with the Young Actuaries Advisory Board.

To arrange an interview with Win-Li, please contact Elizabeth Finch at Elizabeth.Finch@taylorfry.com.au