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 joined Markey in 2015 after relocating from Sydney where he brings 12 years insurance industry experience in broking and risk gained from QBE, Aon and along with his most recent role with an Austbroker Brokerage. His main focus has been looking after a book of SME clients with a heavy focus on motor trades.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 to that, she worked in varying roles within the retail industry and has extensive customer service knowledge. Eleni has since moved to our Corporate Division where she is an internal broker assisting both Steve Markey & Megan Farmer's team with their client's needs. In addition to working closely with Steve & Megan, Eleni also has a small growing portfolio of her own that she manages. She is eager to continue to extend her knowledge and expertise of the insurance industry.
Frank Gaminde
Broking
Diploma Business Marketing
Diploma Human Resources
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
QPIB
Frank has been a member of the Markey team since 1995 and is valued as one of our senior commercial insurance executives. He is a qualified Practising Insurance Broker and holds a Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking), Diploma Business Marketing and a Diploma Human Resources. His background includes experience in the banking industry dealing in both finance and insurance areas.
Megan Farmer
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
QPIB
Megan joined Markey Group in an administrative role in 2008. Megan quickly progressed within Markey to become an Internal Broker working with some of our more senior brokers including Stephen Markey. Megan has completed her Diploma of Financial Services (insurance broking). Megan relocated north for a 12 month period to further her career within the insurance industry and returned in 2015 to Markey taking on a Senior Broking position. Megan takes pride in providing her clients with an efficient business broking solution. 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. Feedback was gained from Megan’s team, insurer’s and clients alike.
Robyn Stella
Broking Manager
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Robyn is a specialist in commercial insurance and risk analysis and is well known to the growing list of corporate and commercial business owners and managers whom she advises. She commenced in the insurance industry in 1985 and her previous roles include business development manager with a major Australian insurer where she gained considerable knowledge and experience in workers compensation insurance. She holds a Diploma Financial Services (Insurance Broking).
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.
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).
Louise Stephen
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Louise has 14 years experience in the Insurance industry. She commenced her Insurance career with underwriting agency, Union des Assurances de Paris (UAP) before moving to a large International Broker in Sydney in 1998. Louise has extensive experience covering Builders Insurance, predominantly home warranty and contract works. She joined Markey in August 2011. She has brought with her a wealth of knowledge in home warranty insurance, contract works and negotiation skills.
Alex Tserepas
Broking
Alex commenced working with Markey in 2019 as an internal broker. Alex has been working within the Real Estate Industry the past two years, this exposure has given him the importance and understanding of the highest quality customer service. Alex has exceptional communication skills and a drive to succeed. Alex is excited to learn the many aspects of insurance and further his career within the industry.
Nicole Coates
Broking
Nicole joined the Markey team in 2019. With many years’ experience in retail management, Nicole prides herself on providing quality customer service and experiences. After working with icare for NSW Workers Compensation, she built great rapport with many small and large businesses of NSW and their insurance brokers. From this experience and her growing knowledge of the insurance industry, she is excited for the journey and to continue helping clients within Markey.
Ricky Campton
Internal Broking
Diploma of Human Resource Management
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Ricky joined Markey Group in 2015 bringing with him a passion for Insurance, providing his clients with piece of mind and excellent service. Ricky has completed a Diploma of Human Resource Management and Tier 1 in Insurance Broking. Ricky is dedicated to providing his clients with Insurance that suits their needs whilst also making sure that the Insurance cover is at the highest standards.
Sarah Nixon
Broking
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Sarah has worked in the insurance industry for over 15 years. She has worked in a variety of departments within Markey Group over this time developing her industry knowledge. Sarah has a passion for insurance and offers her exceptional customer service skills to her clients. She has a Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking).
Georgi Kantarovski
Broking
gkantarovski@markeygroup.com.au
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Tier I Certificate General Insurance
Georgi has been working in the insurance industry since 2004 and enjoys the challenge of providing excellent customer service to his client. He joined Markey in 2006 and hold a Tier I Certificate in General Insurance and a Diploma of Financial Services.
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.
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.Administration & Operations
Leanne Went
Operations Manager
Leanne is one of our long-standing, dedicated employees who has held a diverse range of roles since commencing her employment at Markey Group in 1996. Leanne has superior knowledge of our Insurance Broking IT systems and is proficient in all administration duties such as; Human Resources, Payroll and Superannuation, and general day-to-day office operations. Recently, Leanne has been supporting our Management Team as Operations Manager. Her latest task has been assisting in facilitating the changes required to create an effective work environment as we move towards electronic delivery of our correspondence.
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
Michele Marks
Processing Manager
Michele has been in the insurance industry for many years and has held underwriting and administration positions both with insurance companies and more recently with brokers. Michele joined Markey in 2001 and is our most experienced processor with extensive knowledge of the insurance industry.
Chris Watts
Processing
Certificate III 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.
Tracey Lloyd
Processing
Tracey joined the processing team at Markey in 2017, she now also assists our Personal Lines Department. Tracey has many years of experience in customer service excellence from her prior positions within the Banking and Finance Industry. Tracey is keen to continue to expand her insurance knowledge within the industry.
Carly Campbell
Administration
Diploma of Financial Services (Insurance Broking)
Tier 1 Certificate General Insurance
Tier II Certificate General Insurance
QPIB
Carly commenced working at Markey in October 2005. She has worked in a number of departments including Administration, Processing and Personal Lines and obtained her desired position as a commercial internal broker in 2008. Carly has a great rapport with clients and insurers alike. She has completed several courses relating to the insurance industry. Carly holds a Diploma of Financial Services.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 has recently joined Markey Group within the Personal Lines Department. 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
Robyn Cairns
Claims Manager
Markey Group Claims Manager Robyn Cairns is one of our longest standing employees with her employment commencing in 1978. Robyn has worked in all areas of the business and due to her determination to get the job done, has been appointed as Claims Manager where she is doing an excellent job in negotiating the desired results for our clients.
