Directors
Stephen Markey
Managing Director
BE (Mech) Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) QPIB, AAII
Stephen has won a national reputation as an innovator in insurance. After completing a Bachelor of Engineering degree, he worked as a mechanical engineer in major industries before joining the family company in 1989. Stephen quickly added to his skills and professional qualifications to become an associate of the Australian Insurance Institute and a Qualified Practicing Insurance Broker. He has served as a Board Member of the National Insurance Brokers’ Association and plays an active part in the direction of Austbrokers.Along with the role as Managing Director of Markey Group Pty Ltd, Stephen is also involved in the servicing of both retail and corporate clients. He is committed to ensuring that all Markey clients receive the highest level of friendly and professional advice.
Simmone Markey
Director
Simmone is a financial services expert with experience in general insurance, life insurance, premium funding as well as accounting and investment. Simmone has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Newcastle and has worked for more than a decade within the accountancy profession prior to making the change to insurance 17 years ago. Simmone is a highly regarded member of the Hunter business community and participates in insurance industry national and international networks. Currently Simmone is an office holder on the Austbrokers Principals Advisory Board (APAB) representing the interests of the Australian broking member firms of the AUB Group Limited. She is also the Chairperson of the AIMs (Austbroker IBNA Member Services) Conference Committee which organises insurance industry conferences annually both nationally and internationally. Simmone is passionate about supporting the community. She currently volunteers on the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Foundation Board raising valuable funds for researchers working across more than 60 health and disease areas incorporating collaborations being conducted around the world. This research is already making global impacts in many areas but especially asthma/airway diseases, cancer, stroke, mental health and heart disease.
Broking
David Panek
Broking
Diploma of Insurance Broking Block 1: Tier 1 General Insurance Broker Acceditation
Certificate IV in Financial Services (General Insurance)
David commenced working with Markey in 2015 after relocating from Sydney. David has over 18 years’ experience in the insurance industry, he has gained his insurance and risk experience working at QBE, Aon and another Austbroker Brokerage. David’s main focus is dealing with his portfolio of SME clients with a heavy focus on motor trades, he has excellent communication skills, and he is keen to expand his growing portfolio.David is an Associate Member of NIBA College of Insurance & Risk Professionals.
Eleni Gambrill
Broking
Tier II Certificate General Insurance
Certificate III Insurance Broking
Eleni joined Markey in 2016 within the Personal Lines Department. Prior, she worked in varying roles within the retail industry and has extensive customer service knowledge. Eleni moved to our Corporate Division where she assists Steve Markey in an internal broking role providing integral support for our corporate client's needs. In addition to working closely with Steve Markey, Eleni also has a growing portfolio of her own that she manages. She is eager to continue to extend her knowledge and expertise of the insurance industry.
Josh Ford
Broking
NIBA Associate
ASIC Tier 1 General Insurance Broker Accreditation
Josh joined the Markey team in 2021, Josh brings with him a wealth of insurance knowledge. Prior to Josh commencing in the insurance industry, he completed a Bachelor in Social Science (Criminal Justice) in 2006. He joined Austbrokers (Adroit Insurance Group) as a Trainee in 2007 in Country Victoria, where he quickly progressed to become an internal account executive. In 2011 he joined an IBNA Brokerage, MHL Insurance Brokers/Adroit MHL Insurance & Risk, where he held the role of an Account Executive, developing his portfolio based on Heavy Motor, Civil Construction / Earthmoving, Residential Construction, Forestry and Trade clients In 2017 Josh moved to Newcastle to join Gallagher, here he managed a portfolio that consisted of Hospitality, Heavy Motor & Civil Construction / Earthmoving clients. Markey is now fortunate to have Josh as a valuable team member, his focus at Markey will be specialising in a wide range of insurance covers and risk advice for medium to larger businesses.
ASIC Tier 1 General Insurance Broker Accreditation
Josh joined the Markey team in 2021, Josh brings with him a wealth of insurance knowledge. Prior to Josh commencing in the insurance industry, he completed a Bachelor in Social Science (Criminal Justice) in 2006. He joined Austbrokers (Adroit Insurance Group) as a Trainee in 2007 in Country Victoria, where he quickly progressed to become an internal account executive. In 2011 he joined an IBNA Brokerage, MHL Insurance Brokers/Adroit MHL Insurance & Risk, where he held the role of an Account Executive, developing his portfolio based on Heavy Motor, Civil Construction / Earthmoving, Residential Construction, Forestry and Trade clients In 2017 Josh moved to Newcastle to join Gallagher, here he managed a portfolio that consisted of Hospitality, Heavy Motor & Civil Construction / Earthmoving clients. Markey is now fortunate to have Josh as a valuable team member, his focus at Markey will be specialising in a wide range of insurance covers and risk advice for medium to larger businesses.
Sandra O’Donnell
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
QPIB
Sandra manages a portfolio of business clients providing specialist advice on all aspects of insurance that are relevant to their enterprises. She commenced work in the insurance industry in 1980 and has been with Markey Group since 1987. She has held varying roles in both the underwriting and insurance broking industry building a wealth of experience and knowledge. Those experiences range from claims management, account management, marketing, workers’ compensation, premium financing, and in more recent years, insurance broking. Sandra is a Qualified Practising Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma Financial Services.
Max Markey
Broking
Max commenced his insurance career in 2016 with Markey Insurance & Risk. In conjunction with gaining his insurance experience he completed a Bachelor of Business at Newcastle University with the drive to explore opportunities in the insurance industry whilst working within the family business for 5 years.
In 2021 he was offered an opportunity to relocate to Sydney in a role with one of Australia’s Top 5 Insurers. During this time based in Sydney, he gained invaluable experience in Underwriting, Sales and Development areas. Max was responsible for large Insurance Broking networks giving him exposure to various systems and processes across the insurance industry.
In 2024 Max relocated back to Newcastle, returning to Markey’s in a Senior Broking role in addition to being our Client Broker Relationship Manager. Max has excellent communication skills and his passion to succeed will provide the utmost experience for all clients.
In 2021 he was offered an opportunity to relocate to Sydney in a role with one of Australia’s Top 5 Insurers. During this time based in Sydney, he gained invaluable experience in Underwriting, Sales and Development areas. Max was responsible for large Insurance Broking networks giving him exposure to various systems and processes across the insurance industry.
In 2024 Max relocated back to Newcastle, returning to Markey’s in a Senior Broking role in addition to being our Client Broker Relationship Manager. Max has excellent communication skills and his passion to succeed will provide the utmost experience for all clients.
Megan Farmer
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Megan commenced in the insurance industry in 2008, initially in an administrative role, but her insurance knowledge and passion to assist clients was quickly recognised and she progressed into the Broking division at Markey.
To further her insurance knowledge and career opportunity Megan relocated to Queensland in 2014 to take on an Account Broking role, then returned to Markey in 2015 in a Senior Broking role.
Megan’s insurance knowledge and dedication was publicly acknowledged in 2021 when she was awarded winner of the NSW & ACT NIBA Young Professional Broker of the Year. This award recognises high performing brokers who shine in their professional capacity, achievement and contribution to the insurance industry.
At the beginning of 2022 Megan relocated to Melbourne to commence a role with an international brokerage. During this period Megan was fortunate to work with several large scale and multi-national businesses alongside a highly knowledgeable team, furthering her exposure and broking skills within the industry. Megan was an Account Director within the Melbourne Corporate Property & Casualty team dealing primarily with Corporate Australian and Multi-National companies, in addition she was also team leader managing her team.
Following a short career break travelling overseas, Megan has returned to NSW in late 2023 to recommence her career with Markey within the corporate broking division.
Megan takes pride in providing her clients with an efficient business broking solution and has the knowledge to advise our corporate clients on the technical circumstances that can arise in the insurance industry.
James Johnson
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
James commenced his insurance career in 2011 locally in Newcastle with an international brokerage.Over this time James has gained the required skill set to provide quality service and has experience in servicing a range of industries including but not limited to Manufacturing, Trades, Hospitality, Construction and Not For Profit.
James holds his Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking) and looks forward to servicing the needs of his portfolio of Clients at Markey.
Carly Campbell
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Tier II Certificate General Insurance
QPIB
Since joining Markeys in 2005, Carly has gained extensive experience across various departments such as Administration, Personal Lines, and General Insurance Broking. She has recently progressed to the role of Senior Broker. Throughout her tenure at Markeys, Carly has provided invaluable support to senior brokers, played a key role in training and mentoring new staff members, and successfully managed client relationships spanning diverse industries. Known for her excellent rapport with clients and insurers, Carly holds a Diploma of Financial Services and actively participates in ongoing training to remain abreast of emerging risks in the dynamic insurance landscape.
Jessica Eales
BROKING
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Jess joined Markey in 2022 working in a Senior Broking role after recently relocating to Newcastle from Wollongong.
Jess has been working within the insurance industry since 2011 starting from processing to now managing a large portfolio of SME clients. Her experience gained across all aspects of the insurance industry has provided Jess with an extensive range of insurance knowledge on a wide range of products.
Jess has excellent communication skills and customer service experience and aims to grow her portfolio here at Markey.
Jess joined Markey in 2022 working in a Senior Broking role after recently relocating to Newcastle from Wollongong.
Jess has been working within the insurance industry since 2011 starting from processing to now managing a large portfolio of SME clients. Her experience gained across all aspects of the insurance industry has provided Jess with an extensive range of insurance knowledge on a wide range of products.
Jess has excellent communication skills and customer service experience and aims to grow her portfolio here at Markey.
Natalie Gibbs
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Tier I Certificate General Insurance
Tier II Certificate General Insurance
Natalie has more than 20 years experience in the industry. She completed Tier II and Tier I General Insurance as well as a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking). Natalie joined Markey in January 2006 with experience in insurance broking and general insurance. As a broker, Natalie specialises in insurance cover and risk advice for small to medium businesses.
Bernard Brown
Broking
Diploma Business Management
Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Industry
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Bernard’s abundance of experience and extensive knowledge in all classes of commercial business has proven to be valuable to many Markey clients. He holds a Diploma in Business Management, is an Affiliate of the Australian Insurance Industry Insurance Broker and also holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).Bernard began a successful insurance career more than 25 years ago as an insurance underwriter then moved into insurance broking with Markey Group in 1999.
Kate Brunton
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Tier II Certificate General Insurance
Kate has been working in the insurance industry since 2007. She joined Markey Group in 2010 as an assistant broker within our domestic department. Kate progressed quickly into an internal broking role which has contributed to her ever growing knowledge of the insurance industry. Kate is now managing her own client portfolio of commercial clients, with Kate’s excellent customer service and expert insurance knowledge her clients will receive the highest of standard of service. Kate aims to continue to grow her portfolio and become a leading broker within the industry. She has completed a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).
Alex Tserepas
Broking
Alex commenced with Markey in 2019 as an Internal Account Executive working alongside two of our most experienced brokers gaining a wealth of insurance knowledge within this team. Alex’s focus has been on the medium to large client portfolio’s but he intends to continue his studies and improve his insurance knowledge with a focus to understand the corporate clients portfolio’s. Alex’s previous role had a strong customer service background, this experience has assisted him understanding the importance of providing the highest quality service to his clients. His exceptional communication skills and with the drive to succeed has lead him to now managing his own client portfolio.
Joshua Davidson
Broking
Dip F.S. (Brok) QPIB
An experienced and determined Account Manager with excellent client management skills and a proven track record of providing outstanding customer service. A professional who excels in dealing with multiple clients from a variety of industries, with strong presenting skills and expertise in researching, underwriting and broking.
An experienced and determined Account Manager with excellent client management skills and a proven track record of providing outstanding customer service. A professional who excels in dealing with multiple clients from a variety of industries, with strong presenting skills and expertise in researching, underwriting and broking.
Rachel Allen
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Rachel has a vast knowledge of the insurance industry that she has attained over the past 12 years. Rachel has gained her experience working in both the underwriting and broking divisions of the insurance industry. Rachel’s speciality is within the SME Business portfolio, however, she is keen to grow and further her insurance knowledge here at Markey. Rachel has exceptional customer service and organisational skills, her determination and willingness to assist her clients to obtain the best possible outcome is her utmost desire.
Aydin Guzel
Broking
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Aydin joined Markey in 2023 as an Internal Broker where he assists the needs of a range of Senior Brokers. Prior to joining the Markey team, Aydin gained crucial customer service and communication skills in his previous employment in several different industries. Aydin has a diverse range of life experience and is dedicated to expand his insurance industry knowledge in years to come to provide an excellent service to all Markey clients.
Aydin joined Markey in 2023 as an Internal Broker where he assists the needs of a range of Senior Brokers. Prior to joining the Markey team, Aydin gained crucial customer service and communication skills in his previous employment in several different industries. Aydin has a diverse range of life experience and is dedicated to expand his insurance industry knowledge in years to come to provide an excellent service to all Markey clients.
Izak Straker
Broking
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Izak joined Markey in 2023 as an Internal Broker where he assists the needs of a range of Senior Brokers. Prior to this, he worked in a selection of jobs within differing industries where he gained crucial customer service and communication skills. Izak also completed his Bachelor of Commerce (economics) degree in 2022, gaining knowledgeable financial understanding which he aims to implement into the insurance industry. Izak is determined to widen his knowledge of the insurance industry in the years to come, whilst servicing Markey’s clients to the best of his abilities for the benefit of the company.
Izak joined Markey in 2023 as an Internal Broker where he assists the needs of a range of Senior Brokers. Prior to this, he worked in a selection of jobs within differing industries where he gained crucial customer service and communication skills. Izak also completed his Bachelor of Commerce (economics) degree in 2022, gaining knowledgeable financial understanding which he aims to implement into the insurance industry. Izak is determined to widen his knowledge of the insurance industry in the years to come, whilst servicing Markey’s clients to the best of his abilities for the benefit of the company.
Finance
Tracey Bramble
Finance
Tracey is an experienced Chartered Accountant with over 13 years experience in both Commercial Accounting and External Audit. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia which is supplemented by her double bachelor degree in Business (Accounting) and Information Technology. She also holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. Tracey has joined the finance department at Markey performing duties such as finance, administration and premium funding.
Michelle Johnson
Finance
Tier 1 Insurance Broker Training Statement of Attainment
Diploma of Business (General Insurance)
Michelle has been working in the insurance industry since October 1999. She holds a Tier 1 Insurance Broker Training Certificate and a Diploma of Business (General Insurance). She joined Markey in October 2009 as part of the processing team. Michelle is now a key member of our finance department performing duties such as finance, premium funding and administration.Information Technology
Anthony Donati
IT System Administrator/Manager
MCSA, MCITP, Comptia A+
Diploma (IT Administration)
Anthony entered the IT industry after being offered a scholarship with a local IT and Training company as a System Administrator. After 5 years in the industry he joined the Markey team in 2009 as the IT System Administrator/ Manager. Anthony provides the skills and knowledge needed to ensure the computer system run smoothly.Operations & Administration
Leanne Went
Operations Manager
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Leanne is one of our valued, long-standing, dedicated employees who has held a diverse range of roles since commencing her employment at Markey Group in 1996. Leanne is ‘Tier 1 Insurance Broking’ compliant and is currently working within our commercial division gaining valuable insurance knowledge on a diverse range of products. Her friendly personality enables her to have a great rapport with clients. Leanne also supports our Management Team as Operations Manager; she is able to manage the general day-to-day office operations. She has superior knowledge of our Insurance Broking IT systems and is proficient in all administration duties including Human Resources, Payroll and Superannuation.
Richard Finlay
Administration Manager
Richard brought a wealth of experience and proven success as an administrator when he joined the Markey Group in 2006. Previously with NSW Health, he managed the business unit for the diagnostic division of Hunter/New England Area Health and South West Area Health. He had also consulted for every Area Health Service in both NSW and Queensland. Having taken the diagnostic division from humble beginnings to being the largest and only profit making division in NSW Health, he has applied the same principles of sound business practice in his role as Administration Manager for the Markey Group.
Processing & Administration
Chris Watts
Processing
Certificate III General Insurance
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Chris joined the Processing Department at Markey Group in 2013. She has an extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, having worked in the roles of internal broker, claims officer, account underwriter and processor. She holds a Certificate III in General Insurance.
Mia Went
Administration
Mia works within our Personal Lines Department specialising in CTP’s and assists our Administration Department.
Mia has customer service experience that she has gained from working within the retail industry. She wishes to gain experience and extend her business procedures knowledge whilst also studying to be an Occupational Therapist at the University of Newcastle. Mia has a bright, friendly personality with a passion to succeed.
Mia has customer service experience that she has gained from working within the retail industry. She wishes to gain experience and extend her business procedures knowledge whilst also studying to be an Occupational Therapist at the University of Newcastle. Mia has a bright, friendly personality with a passion to succeed.
Jaime Bannon
Administration
Jaime joined the Markey Processing team in 2023.
Since 2005 Jaime has worked in Sales & Customer Service within the Air Conditioning industry, the many years in this role has given her the ability to handle a diverse range of situations that she has had to manage over the years.
She takes pride in providing exceptional service whilst building and maintaining relationships both internally with staff and externally with clients.
Jaime is excited and motivated to expand her knowledge within the insurance industry with the Markey team.
Since 2005 Jaime has worked in Sales & Customer Service within the Air Conditioning industry, the many years in this role has given her the ability to handle a diverse range of situations that she has had to manage over the years.
She takes pride in providing exceptional service whilst building and maintaining relationships both internally with staff and externally with clients.
Jaime is excited and motivated to expand her knowledge within the insurance industry with the Markey team.
Personal Lines
Louise New
Personal Lines
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Louise commenced at Markey in June 2007 assisting in the ClaimsDepartment. Louise has been in the general insurance industry for more than 20 years, starting out in underwriting at a major Insurance company and moving to office management with a major rural insurance company. She moved to the Personal Lines Department in 2013 and is currently managing that department.
James Zullo
James works within the Personal Lines Department specialising in CTP’s. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce with an interest in Finance at the University of Newcastle, whilst also demonstrating vast customer service experience in the hospitality industry as a Bartender. James is excited to further his knowledge within the insurance industry with the utmost ambition.
Claims
Michael Bannon
Michael is our seasoned Claims expert who's been a part of the insurance industry since 2004. He's spent the lion's share of his career specialising in Claims, especially in the world of Motor Claims.
After gaining valuable experience in Sydney, where he worked for a major insurance company and another brokerage, he decided to make the return to his hometown of Newcastle and became a key part of the Markey Group family.
Today, Michael serves as the Senior Claims Manager for our Markey Claims Team. He's all about expanding his know-how and skills to give our clients the best service possible. Plus, he has a strong focus on building solid relationships with insurers, assessors, repairers, and other external partners in the industry.
In 2023, Michael was the inaugural recipient of the Austbrokers Claims Manager of the Year Award.
After gaining valuable experience in Sydney, where he worked for a major insurance company and another brokerage, he decided to make the return to his hometown of Newcastle and became a key part of the Markey Group family.
Today, Michael serves as the Senior Claims Manager for our Markey Claims Team. He's all about expanding his know-how and skills to give our clients the best service possible. Plus, he has a strong focus on building solid relationships with insurers, assessors, repairers, and other external partners in the industry.
In 2023, Michael was the inaugural recipient of the Austbrokers Claims Manager of the Year Award.
Brittany Annison
Claims
Brittany joined the Markey Group family in 2023 in a Claims Manager position.
Brittany has been in the insurance industry since 2015 and has an extensive background in general motor, heavy motor, plant, equipment and liability insurance.
Her passion is advocating for our clients to achieve the best possible claim outcome whilst providing exceptional customer service. In this ever changing world of insurance Brittany is always looking for new opportunities to expand her knowledge base to ensure a comprehensive service is provided to our clients.
Brittany has been in the insurance industry since 2015 and has an extensive background in general motor, heavy motor, plant, equipment and liability insurance.
Her passion is advocating for our clients to achieve the best possible claim outcome whilst providing exceptional customer service. In this ever changing world of insurance Brittany is always looking for new opportunities to expand her knowledge base to ensure a comprehensive service is provided to our clients.
Georgi Kantarovski
Claims
gkantarovski@markeygroup.com.au
