We are devastated to share that Lion Underwriting’s Managing Director, Kurt Nilsen, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kurt founded Lion a decade ago. He also served 10 years on the Board of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), including three years as Chair between 2019 and 2022.
Our beloved Kurt was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024. Despite undergoing intense chemotherapy over many months, the cancer aggressively spread throughout his body. He died peacefully at home in the early hours of Saturday 22 February 2025, with loved ones by his side. He was 52.
CEO of the Underwriting Agencies Council, Jenny Bax, said the industry had lost a widely respected leader within underwriting circles.
“It is a very sombre time indeed; Kurt gave so much to the Australian insurance community. Throughout his decade of leadership at UAC, he played a pivotal role in shaping our organisation into what it is today. He was a tireless advocate for underwriting agencies, always focused on strengthening the industry, fostering collaboration, and ensuring UAC remained a valuable voice for members.
“In recent times, when the UAC’s five-year plan was near an end, Kurt drove the creation of the next iteration; a three-year strategic plan which kicked off in 2023 to take UAC to new heights via a clear roadmap,” she added.
Bax said that beyond Nilsen’s professional achievements, he was known for his integrity, generosity, and willingness to support and mentor those around him.
“Many of us were privileged to have worked alongside Kurt, learned from him, and been inspired by his unwavering commitment to our industry.”
In announcing Kurt’s passing to his social circle on Facebook, the Nilsen family said Kurt’s strength, kindness and resilience were an inspiration to all who knew him.
“Kurt leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, integrity and compassion. We are deeply grateful for the love and support he received through his journey and find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched.
“Above all, Kurt was a dedicated father, treasuring every moment with his children and sharing his love for nature whenever he could. He spent the months before his passing, creating those special memories for Mia and Ollie which will never be forgotten,” the post read.
In preparation for what appeared to be inevitable, Nilsen appointed Jarrod O’Brien and Nathan Hepple to the Board of Lion Underwriting in 2024, asking them to take on active leadership roles in the business.
O’Brien said: “Kurt’s favourite thing in the world was his family, most importantly his children. This was probably closely followed by caravanning to various places around Australia as he enjoyed so often. And of course, up there on Kurt’s list of loves was Lion Underwriting.
“Kurt’s wish, and request of the Lion team, is our ongoing focus on exceptional client service. Amongst the inevitable times of upset and of course grief, our team is committed to supporting one another so we can do Kurt proud.”
Hepple added: “Lion won’t be the same without Kurt, but Jarrod and I are 100% committed to propelling this business forward in ways consistent with Kurt’s wishes, alongside the existing management team of Dyan Hamill, Adam Thackeray, Rebecca Gottstein and Sara McLoughlin who worked with Kurt for many years.”
Details about a celebration for Nilsen’s life, expected to take place on the Gold Coast where he resided, will be shared in due course.
If you are a member of the media, please direct any enquiries to:
Sarah Tempest
0402 946 603
sarah.tempest@saythat.com.au