Judging Panel 2027

Dr Matthew Connell, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Chartered Insurance Institute
Mike Keating, CEO, Managing General Agents' Association
Mandy Knowlton-Rayner, Risk and Insurance Manager, Dudley Council
Diane Maxwell, CEO, Airmic
Kathy Slowther, Insurance Manager, Southend-on-Sea City Council
Neil Timberlake, Director, JPIC Group, Chartered Insurance Practitioner

Dr Matthew Connell, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Chartered Insurance Institute
Matthew Connell is Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Chartered Insurance Institute Group, where his focus is to build public trust in insurance and financial services through dialogue with consumers, policymakers, influencers and industry professionals. He has been employed at the CII since March 2017. Previously, Matthew was Head of Regulatory Developments for Zurich Insurance Group’s UK Life Business. He has worked in banking and insurance for more than 25 years. He was the Chair of the Investment and Life Assurance Group between 2015 and 2017, and Chair of the European Financial Planning Association’s Standards and Qualifications Committee between 2018 and 2021. Matthew also holds an MSc in Public Relations from the University of Sterling and a PhD in Policy Studies from the University of Warwick.

Mike Keating, Chief Executive Officer, MGAA
With over 40 years’ experience in the industry Mike’s career has included time at insurers, brokers and MGAs in both the commercial and personal lines markets. He held executive positions at AXA, Midas, UK General and most recently insurtech start-up, Qlaims, before becoming chief executive officer at the MGAA in September 2020. His personal interests include supporting Manchester United (despite being from London!), a keen interest in music, and trying to keep pace with his grandchildren.

Mandy Knowlton-Rayner, Risk and Insurance Manager, Dudley Council
Mandy Knowlton-Rayner is a senior public sector risk and insurance specialist with a strong track record in governance, assurance and organisational resilience. At ALARM, Many helps to shape the organisation’s policy and guidance work, supporting practitioners in embedding meaningful, modern risk and insurance practices, delivering training to further develop the profession and support practitioners. Mandy’s background includes senior roles across local government, where she has led risk, insurance and strategic oversight functions. She brings practical experience, sector knowledge and a commitment to advancing professional standards to her role as a judge of the National Insurance Awards.

Diane Maxwell, CEO, Airmic
Diane Maxwell is CEO of Airmic, the UK’s association for risk and insurance professionals. She is also a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute's Professional Standards Committee and a board member of the Financial Times Trust.
Diane’s career spans financial services, regulation, public policy and risk management across multiple international jurisdictions, with a consistent focus on building financial resilience.
Before joining Airmic, Diane worked as an independent business consultant, advising organisations on business strategy, governance and risk management. She also served for six years on the OECD International Network of Financial Educators global working groups, contributing to international best practice on ageing populations and financial resilience.

Kathy Slowther, Insurance Manager, Southend-on-Sea City Council
Kathy Slowther is an insurance manager for Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Neil Timberlake, Director, JPIC Group 
Neil has over 30 years’ experience in the Insurance Industry in underwriting, broking and insurance manager and risk manager roles. His industry roles have included working in various industry sectors, including leisure and hospitality, hotels and real estate, where he developed in-depth knowledge of the needs of large and complex businesses and how the insurance industry can best respond to these requirements. Neil is an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a Certified Member of the Institute of Risk Management and has wide, practical experience in developing and delivering risk management projects for a range of organisations. His experience also includes the provision of advice and assistance in the areas of insurance captives, claims advocacy, insurable risk management initiatives and construction risks.