Affinity

Stuart McKellar

Head of Commercial & Affinity

It is incredibly exciting to work with a diverse group of like-minded people to build a tech-driven, and highly collaborative, business focused on delivering outstanding client experiences.

Stuart McKellar has more than 23 years insurance experience with nearly 18 years at international broking houses. During this time, Stuart has held various management and executive leadership positions for State based and National businesses. He has also been responsible for the provision of all aspects of broking services to ASX listed, private company, government owned corporation, association and multi-member, clients from a wide range of industries and sectors. Prior to joining Howden, Stuart was Deputy Leader for a major international broker in the Corporate, Commercial and Affinity business, and a member of their Pacific Executive Committee.

Amanda Blackburn

Partner Affinity

Adding value to every client interaction is really important to me.

Amanda brings over 14 years’ experience in SME commercial, corporate, domestic and scheme broking. Particular areas of expertise include real estate and property professions, not-for-profit, aged care, fleet leasing, buying groups and professionals.

Amanda's industry knowledge and contributions have been recognised through her invitation to a number of platinum industry leadership programs. She is also the recipient of the Warren Tickle Memorial award, as the NSW / ACT Young Professional Broker of the Year.

Gary Ward

Partner Affinity

My goals are straightforward – to get the best possible outcome for our clients, delivered in a simple and swift manner

Starting his broking career in 2007, Gary brings lots of hands-on experience in affinity, mid-market and SME offerings. He’s worked in various leadership roles, developing, servicing and enhancing group offerings for leading buying groups and associations, both national and international. He has particular expertise in the real estate and property industry.

Lauren Malkin

Senior Associate Affinity

Lauren has 19 years’ insurance broking experience, specialising in tailored insurance scheme programs for non-profit, community organisations and industry groups for more than 15 years, with a strong focus towards driving strategy, cost and coverage alignment for clients.

Matt Cavallaro

Partner Affinity

The best part of my role is spending time with clients, understanding their business and harnessing their collective buying power

Matt oversees the design, delivery and performance of affinity-style insurance schemes for member-based associations, buying groups and franchise networks. Before Howden, Matt worked in senior roles for global broking houses and claims management firms. Matt has 20 years’ experience working with the not-for-profit, retail, motor trade, food & beverage industries. He’s also designed insurance solutions for both federal and state government.

Marion Hall

Partner Affinity

Marion has over 25 years’ experience in corporate and construction broking, in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. She is responsible for the Affinity Building Industry practice for Howden Australia, focused on the building industry and allied trades, servicing both residential and commercial construction companies.

Brenton Oviss

Senior Associate Affinity

Brenton specialises in creating tailored programs for member-based associations and buying groups. He’s worked across many industries, including motor trade associations, allied health groups, retail associations and fleet leasing companies. He found his niche in Affinity around seven years ago. Before that, he spent five years in corporate and commercial insurance.

David Harry

Senior Associate Affinity

David has over 10 years’ experience within the insurance industry providing all aspects of broking services to Commercial and Affinity clients. David has particular expertise in the Not for Profit and Care sector’s having been responsible for the management and placement of insurance programs for Associations, Multi-member organisations and complex accounts.

Prior to joining Howden, David managed the Affinity Not for Profit team at a large broking house, and in 2020 was awarded the National Insurance Brokers Association - Young Professional Broker of the Year for NSW/ACT.