The right people make all the difference and at PI Direct we pride ourself on having the best in the business. Our specialist wholesale brokers, with combined experience of over 100 years, know what it takes to deliver in a hard market and have built the relationships to do just that. We work hard not just for you, but also for each other, building a solid business with low staff turn-over that ensures you have consistency of account management and a focused professional to support you and your client base.

"Emma Burke absolutely knows what she is talking about, we had two massive accounts recently and I seriously doubt we could have placed either without PID’s help”

Meet the team

We have structured our business to ensure you have the specialists you need, when you need them. The combined experience across PI Direct means that you and your clients can expect a friendly, efficient service that delivers when it counts and places your needs at the centre of every conversation.

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“With over 100 years specialising in financial lines insurance, my team have the experience and market access to address your financial lines needs.”
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Stage 1: Insight & Advice

With over 20 years of experience across our specialist SME and Corporate teams, we can provide the industry insight you need to best advise your client.

Stage 2: Policies & Access

We have access to exclusive facilities and policy wordings across both local and Lloyds marketplaces. We get you and your client the most appropriate solution, the first time

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“We understand the products and the best ways to navigate the market to achieve the desired result for your client.”
“Our internal lawyer and brokers will work with you to understand your client’s business to tailor a suitable solution in what can be a complex market.”
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Stage 3: Tailoring & Fine Print

Our priority is to fully understand your client’s activities and exposures to allow us to work with you and develop a comprehensive submission which maximises our opportunity of obtaining the best outcome.

Stage 4: Service & Relationships

PI Direct brokers are on your side. We advocate for you and your clients as specialists to ensure the best insurance result is returned. However, our service doesn’t stop with the placement of the policy, we continue to assist through the entire policy period.

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“Our administration and finance teams, continue to support you and complement our broking services throughout the policy period.”
“The claims process for claims made policies can be complex, from understanding when to report a potential matter to navigating the intricate and often lengthy claim progression.”
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Stage 5: Claims & Results

Our dedicated claims service means that even the most complex matters are supported by experts with broad experience and detailed understanding of Financial Lines claims who act as an advocate for your client.

Team:
Paul Burton
Managing Director

A Senior Associate with ANZIFF with over 40 years general insurance experience, Paul joined PI Direct as Operations Manager in 2006, prior to this he held various underwriting and management positions with AMP General, CGU Professional Risks & Dexta.

 

As Managing Director Paul’s role involves strategic planning, managing relationships, leadership and using his expertise to assist the team with larger and more difficult placements.

 

Outside work he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, music, and following a wide variety of sporting teams locally (led by his beloved Manly Sea Eagles) and around the world.

Emma Burke
Account Principal

Emma manages our Broking Operations bringing with her over 20 years’ experience in Financial Lines products.

 

A true “local product” Emma joined PI Direct from school and has been with us through three stages of ownership which has enabled her to develop an in-depth knowledge of our products from various perspectives. Having a strong customer focus she uses this knowledge and her long-standing relationships with our underwriters to leave no stone unturned to find a solution for her clients.

 

When not a work, Emma’s time is filled by her two children Otto and newborn Hugo, and spending time with her husband Glen, family & friends.

Robyn Earley
Financial Controller

A qualified accountant, Robyn has been our Financial Controller for over 20 years and is a valued member of the senior management team.

 

Outside work, Robyn is an A Grade squash player and enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren.

Michael Behm
Claims Counsel

Before joining PI Direct as our Claims Counsel, Michael enjoyed 25 years’ experience as a claims manager and risk management consultant holding roles with both APILL, GIO and St Paul. A qualified solicitor, Michael’s experience is not limited to assisting our clients through the often difficult and lengthy process that is a financial line claim, he also provides invaluable insight to our brokers when working through potential exposures on a risk.

 

In his spare time, he enjoys his family, socialising with friends, a good red and has a deep passion for cricket.

Gemma Sturgeon
Account Director

After a career in retail broking Gemma joined our former subsidiary Professional Risk Placements in Perth. In 2018 she joined our Brisbane office and has now progressed to become an Account Director managing some of our more complex risks and supporting Emma with the broking team.

 

Away from PI Direct, Gemma spends time with her husband and is still loyal to her beloved West Coast Eagles.

Luke Thompson
Account Manager

Another “home grown” product, Luke has worked in several administration roles while learning the skills and obtaining qualifications to become a broker. Now an Account Manager, Luke is developing strong relationships with his client base while continually enhancing his Financial Lines knowledge.

 

Outside work Luke enjoys hiking & four-wheel driving.

Dorothy Sanft
Account Manager

Dorothy joined PI Direct after a long career with Aon when she decided to specialise in financial lines. Her wealth of broking experience has seen her become a valuable member of our team managing a growing portfolio of clients.

 

Outside work Dorothy spends her time managing her teenage children, (and her husband), & socialising with family & friends.

Alexandria Mueller
Account Broker

Alex joined P.I. Direct as her first role in insurance. Her role encompasses administrative duties while managing the day-to-day operations of our Real Estate facility. She is currently undertaking her insurance qualifications to expand her role while learning the intricacies of Financial Lines products.

 

Outside work Alex enjoys spending time with her friends and going to the beach.

Karol Rojas Pena
Account Broker

Karol joined PI Direct as an Account Broker working with both our administration & broking teams. Using her legal background, Karol is also assisting Michael with our claims and is looking forward to expanding her role in this area.

 

When not at work, Karol enjoys listening to rock music, going to the beach, catching up with friends and spending time with her dogs.

Alyssa Wood
Administration Manager

Having spent over 10 years with PI Direct in various administration roles, Alyssa manages our administration area and provides support to our Managing Director.

 

Recently engaged, outside work Alyssa enjoys, spending time with friends and family while pursuing her passion for singing.

Tanya Hart
Administration Assistant

Tanya is a valued member of our administration team since joining the insurance industry after a career in retail. In her role she provides strong back-office support to our brokers and clients. Her vibrant personality is infectious to all that deal with her.

 

When not at work Tanya is a passionate animal lover.

Jemma Newton
Administration Assistant

This is Jemma’s first role in insurance, joining our administration team in 2022. She has quickly become a valued member of the team as she starts her journey in the insurance industry.

 

At home, Jemma enjoys an active outdoor life particularly at the beach and spending time with family & friends.

Sarah Arndt
Administration Assistant

After a career break to have a family, Sarah is part of our administration team to whom she brings a wealth of experience from previous roles.

 

Originally from England Sarah now calls Australia home and outside PI Direct enjoys spending time being a mother to her two daughters and spending time with her family.