Competition Details

Following the success of last years’ competition, we are delighted to announce W+K's Turning Point competition is back, bigger and better! This is a unique opportunity for insurance professionals who specialise in Property, Energy & Infrastructure to demonstrate their thought leadership and creativity.

The competition invites you to submit a proposal for a white paper that explores and leads the next generation of thinking in the Property, Energy & Infrastructure sector through the lens of an insurance ‘turning point’ market issue.

A turning point issue is something that has the potential to disrupt, challenge or transform the insurance industry. It could be related to product development and delivery, technology, renewables, sustainability or emerging risks.

The Turning Point Competition is open to anyone working in the insurance industry who is actively involved in the Property, Energy & Infrastructure market, with a focus on underwriting and claims professionals, adjusters and forensic experts.

How does it work?

Submit your proposal

Outline the main argument and key points of your white paper in 500 words or less. Explain why your topic is relevant, timely and innovative.

Proposals will be evaluated by a judging panel of top insurance minds who will select a group of finalists. Novel and progressive topics will get to the top of the pile and the following criteria will be considered:

  • the merit of the white paper topic,
  • the significance of the issue to the insurance industry, and
  • the quality of the white paper outline.

If for any reason the finalist is unable to co-author the proposed white paper, the judging panel will award the finalist position to the next best qualified proposal.

Produce your whitepaper

  • The finalists will be contacted in writing and announced on 8 October 2024.
  • The competition results will be promoted on W+K’s website, LinkedIn and through other communications activities.
  • Each finalist will be paired with a senior W+K Property, Energy & Infrastructure lawyer, who will act as a mentor and co-author for the white paper.
  • You will have six months to work together and produce a 2000-word white paper on your chosen topic.

Winner announcement

The white papers will be assessed by the judging panel, and the winner will be announced on 20 May 2025. The competition results will be promoted on W+K’s website, LinkedIn and through other communications activities.

The winner and finalists give permission for Wotton + Kearney to publicise the recipient’s name, company and position title as part of the announcement and related communications.

All finalist white papers will be published in 2025 and promoted widely in the international insurance market.

The winner will receive $10,000 towards an industry conference, and each finalist will receive travel vouchers to the value of $2,500.

Our judging panel

Peter Kelaher

Country President, Australia & New Zealand, Chubb

Peter Kelaher has more than 18 years’ experience in the insurance industry and 16 years with Chubb. In his current role, Peter has executive operating responsibility for Chubb’s general insurance business, including commercial property & casualty, traditional and specialty personal lines and accident and health insurance. He oversees all facets of the business including strategy, product and business development, underwriting and service operations, and profit & loss performance.


Steve Gibbs

Head of Claims - Asia-Pacific, AIG

Over the course of his 25-year career, Steve has led regional and global Claims teams in addition to global governance, change and shared services functions. Prior to joining AIG in 2020, Steve was International P&C Claims Technical Practice Leader for AXA XL. Steve began his career in law and transitioned to insurance following 10 years in private practice. In his current role, Steve delivers market-leading claims service to AIG’s diverse customer base.


Adam Chylek

Head of Property, Energy & Infrastructure, Wotton + Kearney

Adam leads W+K’s national Property, Energy & Infrastructure practice and is widely acknowledged in Australia and the region as an expert in market management on major losses with parties located both locally and offshore. He is the ‘go-to’ adviser to many of W+K’s Australian, European and North American insurer and reinsurer clients operating in the mining, energy and power sectors.

Prizes

Winner

The winner will have the opportunity to attend a key industry event to the value of AUD10,000.

Finalists

Each finalist will receive travel vouchers in their jurisdiction to the value of AUD2,500.

Nathan McLellan, Turning Point Winner 2023

"Pick a topic you have a genuine passion for, be bold with ideas and be pragmatic with potential solutions."
Vice President, First Party Claims – Asia Pacific, Liberty Specialty Markets
Read Nathan's full Q&A

Competition dates

Applications open: 5 August 2024

Applications close: COB 13 September 2024

Finalists announced: 8 October 2024

White paper deadline: 7 May 2025

Winner announced: 20 May 2025


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