Speakers

Robert co-founded Steadfast and has over 52 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He was voted the second most influential person in insurance by Insurance News and was awarded the ACORD Rainmaker Award in 2014. Robert is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker, a Fellow of NIBA, a Senior Associate of ANZIIF, a Certified Insurance Professional and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Robert is the Chairman of the ACORD Board and is also a Director of not-for-profit organisation KidsXpress.

Robert Kelly co-founded Steadfast in 1996 to provide insurance-related quality advice and service, leading the company to become the largest general insurance broker network and underwriting agency group in Australia and New Zealand and an ASX 100 listed company. 

In 2022 Robert received the prestigious award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Noelene joined Steadfast in July 2024. She has over 20 years’ experience working in operations leadership roles in the financial services industry, including banking, general insurance, life insurance and reinsurance. Recently she has worked in senior leadership roles including as COO Financial Crime and Fraud Prevention at Westpac, COO Swiss Re Australia and Chief of Staff for KPMG Lead Accounts in Hong Kong. Noelene has significant global experience, working across Asia, Europe and US markets and holds degrees in Communications and Law, and has an MBA from AGSM.

Tim Mathieson joined Steadfast Group in 2015 and has over 25 year’s industry experience, most recently as CEO of QIB Group, one of the largest insurance broking groups in Australasia. He was previously Head of Broker Network at Steadfast and prior to this held several leadership roles with QBE Insurance which he joined as a graduate in 1998. He holds an MBA, Master of Insurance and Risk Management, and Bachelor of Commerce. He is an ANZIIF Fellow, AICD Graduate and director of more than 20 companies, including the Steadfast Foundation.

Samantha has 30 years' experience in the insurance industry including 25 years at Steadfast. She was COO from 2016 - 2023, directing and managing operational activities of the organisation and ensuring the implementation of the overall strategy.

Samantha was promoted in April 2023 to the new role of CEO – International and is responsible for planning and executing the company’s international strategy. Samantha is a Board Director of Steadfast companies in the US, UK, and Supervisory Board of global network UnisonSteadfast.

David joined Steadfast in May 2025. He has over 20 years of experience in transformation and operational roles within financial services organisations across Australia, India, and Europe. Prior to joining Steadfast, David held the position of Chief Information Officer at Allianz Australia, Alinta Energy and TAL Australia and senior leadership roles at Fidelity International, Bupa and EDS. David is an accredited member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronics. 

Nick joined Steadfast 11 years ago, and currently oversees the strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives for the Steadfast broker networks across the Asia-Pacific region. With a career spanning over three decades in the insurance and financial services industry, Nick brings a wealth of experience in managing complex networks, enhancing carrier relationships, and delivering exceptional service to brokers. Nick is also President of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA).

Kasun is the General Manager for the Australian Network, Broker, Risk & Insurer Services at Steadfast. In this role, he leads teams dedicated to enhancing our value proposition for the Steadfast network and insurers, ensuring greater alignment across our service offerings. Prior to joining Steadfast, Kasun served as a Strategic Execution Manager in the Office of the CEO at AIG and Aon, where he held various roles in operations and strategy.