The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has revealed the recipients of its 2025 awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the insurance and broking sectors at local, national, and international levels.
Francis Perkins Award
Christian Poulsen ACII has been honored with the prestigious Francis Perkins Award for his longstanding service to BIBA and its member community. Established in 1982 by BIBA’s founding chair, Francis Perkins, this award is presented annually to a member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and impact within the insurance broking sector.
Poulsen’s contributions include over 12 years of service on BIBA’s SME Brokers’ Advisory Board, where he provided critical insights on policy and strategic direction for smaller broking firms. In addition, he served as president of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in Folkestone and South Kent, becoming the youngest individual to hold this position at the time.
International Lifetime Achievement Award
In a separate recognition, Olola Frederick Olabode Ogunlana has been awarded BIBA’s 2025 International Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable seven-decade career in the global insurance industry.
Ogunlana’s contributions extend beyond his founding roles in several professional organizations, including the CII of Nigeria, the West African Insurance Companies Association, the African Insurance Organisation, and the Nigerian Institute of Management. He also served as an underwriting member at Lloyd’s of London for over a decade.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ogunlana has been deeply involved in philanthropic and educational initiatives, with a particular focus on youth development.
“[Ogunlana’s] exceptional career and lifelong commitment to personal and professional development make him a true pioneer in the insurance industry and an inspiration to many,” noted BIBA’s CEO, Steve Trudgill.
About BIBA
BIBA represents approximately 1,800 regulated insurance intermediary firms across the UK, collectively employing over 100,000 individuals. These firms account for 74% of all general insurance and 93% of commercial insurance arranged in the UK, generating an estimated £85.8 billion in combined premiums and contributing around 1% to the national GDP.
The association supports its members through advocacy, industry guidance, and platforms like Find Insurance, while actively engaging with regulators, consumer bodies, and government offices on key policy matters.
