b'Austbrokers executive Fabian Pasquini witnessedCATHERINE MILLER JOINSMGAs growth during this period first-hand. Theywere bold. They would see an opportunity, seize THE WHITTLES BOARDit and make it work. That is the MGA spirit, he says. In February 2016, Johns daughter, Catherine, Austbrokers scoped opportunities to fit MGA, joined the Whittles Board as a non-executive teeing up joint ventures with offices in Mildura,director. Cathy is a highly qualified registered Bega, Tamworth and Caboolture. The partnershipnurse and also holds an accounting degree. was harmonious and mutually beneficial. New officesHer involvement in the development of the opened in Melbourne, Canberra and, of course, evenWhittles Strategic Plan has been instrumental overseas in Phnom Penh.in the growth of the business. Then, the companys decade-long golden streak hit serious roadblocks in 2020. First came the devastating bushfires of 2019-20, which made the major insurers nervous and stretched the capacity of vital insurance markets such as Lloyds. Because were so heavily involved in the regions, it was a particularly difficultLEADERSHIP CHANGEtime for us, Paul explains. We had $30 million in87buildings uninsured for six monthsjust nothing weAT WHITTLEScould do. We kept in touch with the clients and kept abreast of what was happening.In 2024, Matthew Amber stepped awayas the managing director of Whittles. He led In February 2020, MGAs leading shareholder,the companys growth and expansion into oneAUB Group (the parent company of Austbrokers),of Australias largest body corporate and announced plans to acquire MGA Whittles in a $140strata management firms. He was an industry million deal. However, the deal was mutually shelvedleader, initiating and overseeing the sectors when the Covid pandemic struck, with MGA Whittles and AUB Group content to continue their partnership.peak body, the Strata Community Association. Whittles general manager Rino Parrella, Paul says technology is having an even more significantwho has been with the business since 1998, impact on the insurance industry after the disruptionassumed the role of managing director.of the pandemic. He says the groups track record of being a tech leader in its sector holds it in good stead. I think a lot of the systems we have in place put us five to seven years ahead of our competitors.The MGA Whittles group had quietly achieved a rare featin business: the synchronisation of culture and systems.'