In 2006, South African-born Julien Karney celebrates 50 years in the insurance industry.
He joined JMD Ross in 1996 as a general broking agent, specialising in jewellers' block insurance.
Julien had a long career in South Africa and a strong background in accounting, finance and investment. He was CEO of the Shield Insurance Group until it was purchased by Allianz in 1980. He was then chairman of Allianz in South Africa for three years and continued to serve the company as a director until 1992.
Julien moved to Australia to be close to his four children all of whom are Sydney based. He has 12 grandchildren.
One of his key achievements in the industry was growing Shield from a small insurer to a medium-sized business, which was then targeted by Allianz.
As a specialist in jewellers' block, underwritten by Lloyd's of London, JMD Ross ranks among the top three markets for the specialist class in Australia. Julien developed expertise in the field because his company was the only underwriter of jewellers' block insurance in South Africa.
Outside work, Julien can be found sailing his 47-foot sloop on Sydney Harbour.