Envest today announced the retirement and departure of four long-serving and highly respected leaders from the Group: Tony Walker, Barry Fitzpatrick, Rob Ellis, and Adrian Kitchin. Each has made a lasting contribution to the Envest Group and the broader insurance and broking industry, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, entrepreneurialism, and positive impact on the insurance community and clients.
Tony Walker has had an extraordinary 50-year career in the insurance industry and was instrumental in building PSC Network and PSC NZ. Starting in 2010 with just a few ARs (including himself), Tony has always had a clear vision of what he wanted to build. The network expanded into New Zealand in 2012, and with Reliance Partners joining in 2020, it continued to grow steadily. At its peak, PSC Network included over 200 ARs and $450 million in GWP. Through it all, Tony stayed focused on what mattered most: supporting the ARs who helped build the network. Following the acquisition of PSC by the Ardonagh Group and Envest locally, Tony took on the role of chairman of Envest Networks.
I’d like to take this moment to acknowledge the tremendous impact Tony has made. The visionary behind PSC Network, Tony built a business that consistently grew year after year, and his legacy lives on through the many ARs who began this journey with him and remain with us today.”
Barry Fitzpatrick has been a cornerstone of the Australian insurance broking industry for more than 35 years. As the founder and long-time Director of Fitzpatrick & Co, Barry built a business known for its integrity, client-first approach, and deep expertise in SME and horticultural insurance. Under his leadership, Fitzpatrick & Co grew to write over $120 million in gross written premium and became a founding member of both the Aviso and Envest Groups.
Barry also served as the first Chairman of Envest and played a pivotal role in shaping its investment philosophy, business values, and broker network.
In July 2024, Barry stepped down from the day-to-day running of Fitzpatrick and Co when Envest merged Fitzpatrick & Co, Arete, and Amicus under the new brand Aviso Specialty, creating a full-service insurance and risk advisory firm with over 130 staff and more than $260 million in GWP.
Envest CEO Greg Mullins said Barry’s vision and commitment to collaboration have helped Envest evolve into a leading force in the insurance sector.
"Barry’s legacy will continue to shape and inspire the values and direction of our Group for many years to come—and although he is retiring from active duty, he will remain a meaningful shareholder. He is a true gentleman with integrity and honesty of character that we strive to emulate and admire.”
Rob Ellis is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board member with extensive experience in the insurance and financial services sector. As a founding partner of Envest and a board member and CEO mentor for several Envest Group companies, Rob has played a key role in shaping the Group’s strategic direction and operational excellence. His leadership has been marked by a strong focus on collaboration, culture, and sustainable growth.
Known for his thoughtful and people-first leadership style, Rob has contributed significantly to Envest’s internal culture and external partnerships. His calm and strategic approach has earned him the respect of colleagues and partners alike. As a trusted advisor to our network, his presence will be sorely missed, but as a friend and shareholder, his influence will continue to remain part of our Group.”
Adrian Kitchin is a highly respected leader in the Australian insurance industry, with over 33 years of experience spanning broking and underwriting. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and decisive leadership, Adrian has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of independent insurance broking in Australia—shaping the formation of both Insurance Advisernet Australia and Resilium Insurance Broking.
Adrian joined the executive team and board in Australia following the Ardonagh acquisition of Resilium and Envest, bringing his deep industry knowledge and collaborative leadership style to the Group’s next phase of growth. His legal background and strategic acumen have made him a trusted advisor and influential figure across the industry.
"As Adrian retires from his board roles and departs the Envest Group, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the Authorised Representative broking community. His impact will continue to be felt through the businesses he helped build and the people he supported and encouraged.”
As they move on to new chapters, Envest extends its deepest gratitude to Tony, Barry, Rob, and Adrian for their years of service, leadership, and friendship. Their contributions have helped shape Envest into the business it is today, and their legacy will continue to inspire future growth.
Envest Group CEO Greg Mullins said, “We encourage our network to join us in expressing our appreciation for Tony, Barry, Rob, and Adrian and in wishing them all the best for their next chapter and well-earned retirement from the Envest Group.”
ABOUT THE ENVEST GROUP
The Envest Group is a diversified insurance investment and distribution business headquartered across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. As the Australasia growth platform for one of the world’s leading independent insurance distribution platforms, The Ardonagh Group, Envest leverages the strength of its people and its network to deliver creative, customer focused insurance solutions across the region.
With a portfolio of more than 50 Australian and New Zealand insurance brands—including the Aviso Group, PSC Insurance Brokers, Resilium, and 14 specialist underwriting agencies—Envest provides trusted advice and service to more than 450,000 customers. The Group manages $4.2 billion in Gross Written Premiums and employs more than 2,000 staff across 65 office locations.
Through strategic investment, operational expertise and a commitment to long term value creation, Envest brings together industry leading talent and entrepreneurial businesses to build a stronger, more dynamic insurance ecosystem for clients, partners and investors.
