Contractors

Avril Cox is a director and senior underwriter at iSure Ireland, responsible for underwriting commercial insurance policies, broker development and marketing.

She joined iSure in November 2019, having spent over 15 years in the insurance industry working for MGAs and insurance companies.

Prior to getting into insurance Avril was an aspiring archaeologist and outside of work she volunteers on digs around Ireland and further afield. She also loves watersports, especially rowing.

Barry O’Leary is a senior underwriter and director at iSure Underwriting, responsible for commercial combined new business and signing off on both MTA and EB referrals for team members.

He joined iSure/iFarm in July 2019 following 25 years working at Aviva in various commercial underwriting roles.

Outside of work Barry helps to coach GAA hurling and football for his local club St. Oliver Plunketts. He enjoys gardening and DIY projects.

Therese Smith is a commercial underwriter at iSure Underwriting, responsible for underwriting commercial renewals for both package and commercial combined policies.

She joined iSure in August 2019 working from the Cavan office. Prior to this, she worked as a commercial renewals underwriter with Liberty Insurance for 13 years.

Outside of work, Therese likes to get outside with her family as much as possible, from gardening to walking. She takes part in charity fundraisers and recently completed the 100k in 30 days, and the VHI Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon.

Lewis Phillips is a commercial underwriter at iSure Ireland, responsible for reviewing broker submissions and referrals against the company’s risk appetite and acceptance criteria and responding to broker queries in a timely manner.

He joined iSure in July 2020 as the third member of the Cork office. He previously worked as an existing business commercial underwriter for a large insurer in Cork and prior to that worked as an Insurer Development Manager for a personal lines broker in Bristol.

Outside of work, Lewis and his wife love getting out and exploring the wonderful scenery Ireland has to offer. He enjoys walking the cliffs and finding nice country pubs along the way. His other favourite pastime involves cheering on the Welsh rugby team.

Ken Higgins is a senior underwriter and director at iSure Ireland, responsible for managing a team of underwriters in their daily duties and reviewing and developing the iSure products.

He joined iSure in April 2019, having been a commercial underwriter for over 18 years, working for Quinn Insurance, Liberty Insurance and Prestige Underwriting.

Outside of work, Ken is a big sports fan, and particularly enjoys rugby and football, with Leinster and Liverpool being his teams. He is involved in coaching the Co Cavan RFC Under 12’s, a group he has coached since they were Under 7’s.