Our People
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Stephen McCarthy
Stephen's longstanding career in the Insurance Industry began in 1979 after entering the marketplace straight from high school. In 1983 at the age of 22, Stephen established his first insurance broking business, Steffens McCarthy Australia (SMA). After 7 years of solid growth, Stephen (and his 50% partner) sold SMA in 1990. In 1990 Stephen made the bold move to Sydney to establish General Security Australia (GSA) Insurance Brokers.
Despite building one of Australia’s most successful Insurance Broking firms, Stephen continued to harbor the dream of creating the ultimate environment for negotiating the best possible outcome for his clients. Determined to prove his authentic client focused model would work, Stephen sold his shareholding in GSA and launched Bellrock Broking in 2007. Exploding from its early beginnings with such accolades as being appointed to the "largest client that changed hands in Australia" in its first year of business, Bellrock has proven to be one of the most dynamic brokerages in the Australian Insurance market.
Phone: +61 412 000 142
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Marc Chiarella
A second-generation insurance man, Marc set out working for his father at the family’s insurance broking firm. Following that, he managed and grew a now leading Sydney boutique insurance broking firm and underwriting agency, both being companies founded, and at the time owned, by his now business partner, Stephen McCarthy.
Marc then switched to Private Practice between 2008 to 2016. He became a Partner in the Insurance Group at the highly acclaimed law firm Colin, Biggers & Paisley. During that tenure Marc advised on insurance programmes, drafted policy documents and acted on claims made under various policies.
Being lured back to broking in 2016, Marc has been able to build a strong general insurance capability within the Sydney market. The offering is based on technical advice, trust and responsiveness.
Being lured back to broking in 2016, Marc has been able to build a strong general insurance capability within the Sydney market. The offering is based on technical advice, trust and responsiveness.
The value proposition Marc presents to clients is critical analysis of their insurance programmes. “Insurance obligations for companies and their directors are to ensure compliance with requirements at law, contractual obligations and adequacy as benchmarked against similar risks”.
He considers the broker’s role to identify exposures and advise on strategy to mitigate against them. “We assist our clients with fundamental risk management so they understand risk. Once that is achieved we then advise on, and thereafter arrange, the most appropriate, adequate and cost-effective insurance programme…”
He considers the broker’s role to identify exposures and advise on strategy to mitigate against them. “We assist our clients with fundamental risk management so they understand risk. Once that is achieved we then advise on, and thereafter arrange, the most appropriate, adequate and cost-effective insurance programme…”
Phone: +61 409 469 227
DIRECTOR, PROPERTY, CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Jonathan Frost
After spending the majority of his career working for international broking houses, Jonathan joined Bellrock in February 2019. He has a formidable reputation in both the construction industry and the construction insurance marketplace.
Jonathan has provided risk management advice, arranged placement of and been involved in claims across some of Australia’s largest construction projects. He leverages from his reputation, experience and expertise to obtain the best possible outcomes. His services extend to Contractors, Subcontractors, Developers and Property Owners.
Jonathan recognised a need for insurance brokers to shift their business model of trying to shoehorn clients in the Construction and Property Industry into a “one size fits all” broking model to one which provides truly bespoke tailor made solutions. The construction industry is not like others. It has an evolving legal and contractual framework which is why when it comes to risk and insurance, it is so unique.
“Clients are different – they need advice and cover that meets their specific needs. Bespoke coverage takes time to develop. Risk evolves as the client and the insurance market changes. A specialist broker will constantly monitor its clients’ risk, to adapt and balance cover in what is an ever changing insurance market”.
He feels strongly about clients rights to demand better service: “A broker must be available to take calls and have appropriate resources when the client requires it. Whether it is a last minute certificate of currency, ad-hoc advice or a claim notification”.
Jonathan lives and breathes construction and property development. He believes enterprises in this space should be properly advised by REAL specialists, not large firms purporting to be so. That’s why to Jonathan, Bellrock is a perfect fit.
Phone: +61 408 072 651
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Jason Courtenay
Jason Courtenay never imagined he would find himself working in the insurance industry.
A lawyer by education, Jason was finding the environment of a legal firm stifling when a friend mentioned a change of atmosphere may revitalise him and his career. He found that atmosphere when he was introduced to the culture at Bellrock.
A lawyer by education, Jason was finding the environment of a legal firm stifling when a friend mentioned a change of atmosphere may revitalise him and his career. He found that atmosphere when he was introduced to the culture at Bellrock.
Leaving his legal background behind, Jason immediately found a 'family' which understood his passion to always remain steadfast loyal to the client.
Jason originally joined Bellrock Construction Surety in 2015 to take up the Claims Manager role. Bringing a set of unique skills to Bellrock, Jason relished in his role as one of the first defenders to act to ensure a customer crisis is quickly averted. We are lucky to have Jason back on home turf – with his wealth of knowledge and instant rapport with people, Bellrock feels assured our clients are in safe hands.
Jason originally joined Bellrock Construction Surety in 2015 to take up the Claims Manager role. Bringing a set of unique skills to Bellrock, Jason relished in his role as one of the first defenders to act to ensure a customer crisis is quickly averted. We are lucky to have Jason back on home turf – with his wealth of knowledge and instant rapport with people, Bellrock feels assured our clients are in safe hands.
Phone: +61 499 490 151
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Matthew Beckett
Knowledge is the lifeblood of the insurance industry. No two markets are ever the same. The key to building successful and confident partnerships between brokerages and clients is through the guidance of expert judgement.
Matthew Beckett is that broker.
After starting his career in finance for a global insurance broker, Matthew knew he wanted to be on the 'frontline' of the industry.
After starting his career in finance for a global insurance broker, Matthew knew he wanted to be on the 'frontline' of the industry.
At Bellrock, Matthew has found the freedom to best serve the customer.
Backed by a superior knowledge of the competitive marketplace, Matthew can draw on his experience, passion and business relationships to build a policy that absorbs the best of the marketplace and is tailored to the unique client needs.
Backed by a superior knowledge of the competitive marketplace, Matthew can draw on his experience, passion and business relationships to build a policy that absorbs the best of the marketplace and is tailored to the unique client needs.
Phone: +61 499 490 154
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Mark Jones
Mark is a general insurance and workplace risk specialist with over 26 years' industry experience. Prior to joining Bellrock, Mark worked in an international broking house. His career has seen him service both corporate and commercial portfolios predominantly in the construction industry.
Mark is a dedicated professional who loves winning in all facets of life.
“I am extremely passionate about delivering tailored solutions for my clients,” says Mark. “I respect the critical importance of communication and the value in continually working with all key stakeholders across any insurance program.”
Phone: +61 451 749 910
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Christina Iordanidis
Christina brings over 12 years experience in the general insurance broking industry. Prior to joining Bellrock Broking, Christina spent the majority of her career at leading international broking companies where she was involved in servicing an extensive range and size of client organisations across diverse industries, as a team member and individually.
Her clients have ranged from large multinational companies to small commercial enterprises. This reinforces that Christina’s experience is both extensive and flexible to accommodate small to large client insurance programmes, both nationally and internationally.
Christina has maintained a continuous improvement in client’s satisfaction levels by putting their needs first. Through the delivery of timely responses to enquiries, claims management and by achieving competitive premiums and best coverage on client insurance programmes through effective liaison with local and international based insurance markets.
Phone: +61 499 490 665
DIRECTOR, CLAIMS
Mat Holland
With more than 24 years' experience in the “hands on” and proactive management of commercial general insurance claims, Mathew brings a wealth of technical experience to the Bellrock team. He has specialised experience in respect of Public & Products Liability and Financial Lines claims in various insurance markets globally, including Australia, UK (Lloyd’s), USA and New Zealand.
Phone: +61 499 490 157
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Molly Taylor
Molly Taylor knows what makes a brokerage stand out from the competition: it’s a culture of success, a pledge to quality service, a desire to always be client-focused.
It’s a commitment to be measurably different.
Molly knows this because they are the same values she strives to achieve as a broker. So it only seemed a matter of time before she made her way to Bellrock.
Molly cut her teeth on domestic and commercial policies after starting out as a Junior Broker in 2011. But after completing her diploma, she quickly advanced through to the top tiers, running her own portfolios and working with senior account managers.
But it’s with Bellrock where her technical and personal skills have shone through, leveraging the company’s reputation as a point of difference to engage the marketplace and find the perfect solution for her clients.
It’s the reason why Molly and Bellrock are measurably different.
Phone: +61 455 284 231
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jandre van Tonder
Jandre van Tonder isn’t one for waiting for success to come to him.
Since starting his insurance career as an administrator, Jay, as clients better know him, has been promoted several times in nine, short years – an achievement based on hard work and a dedication to his clients.
But there was a time Jay was forced to cool his heels: when he joined a Brisbane brokage that stood by its values, its clients and its staff. And it was worth the wait.
Following successful roles in New Zealand and Melbourne, Jay joined the Bellrock team in 2019, and immediately excelled within the warm, family environment. Possessing a strong foundation of insurance skills, Jay, alongside his highly-skilled co-workers, has tapped into Bellrock’s bespoke values to engage the marketplace and help produce positive, tailored portfolios.
And with a vision of Bellrock branching into new, exciting industries, Jay’s drive for success could herald a new and exciting future for the success of its clients.
Phone: +61 499 000 879
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Stephane Pouzet
With over the 25 years experience in the industry, Stephane has worked for both boutique and international broking houses and insurers. For the last decade, Stephane has specialised in Strata Insurance (working closely with strata managers and committees).
Stephane's passion is to make sure the committees and lot owners are well informed and protected under the right cover and to provide a personal approach and to protect their investments.
Phone: +61 452 049 431
BROKING ASSISTANT
Andrea Leadbeater
A change of direction can have a positive influence on a person’s life.
That certainly was the case for Andrea Leadbeater.
That certainly was the case for Andrea Leadbeater.
The Broker and Claims Assistant was working for a law firm when she realised her calling was outside the legal profession.
Taking a chance on the insurance industry, Andrea, attracted to Bellrock’s renowned staff and client focused culture, joined the company in early 2019.
Taking a chance on the insurance industry, Andrea, attracted to Bellrock’s renowned staff and client focused culture, joined the company in early 2019.
Learning under the expert eye of Managing Director Stephen McCarthy, Andrea has excelled within the new career, climbing from a junior position to assisting the broking team in under two years.
Possessing an impressive background in administration, Andrea is adapting her skills to the new role, helping the team create bespoke, tailored portfolios that generate the most successful and lasting outcomes.
A change of direction can have a positive influence on a person’s life – and accelerate the fortunes of Bellrock’s clients.
Phone: +61 7 3369 0988
