retender is a startup that was founded in 2017 after questioning whether there are ways of removing some of the structural inefficiencies on the wholesale side of insurance. 

What would you do if you could start with a blank piece of paper?

An idea followed, then a first client who took a chance, some lessons, then some technology, some more lessons and finally it all came together into our tested system.

With years of experience in reinsurance and actuarial as well as a passion for wanting to make a real difference, we want to work with companies and people that also want to make positive and significant changes for their customers.

And have some fun.

 
 

Some of the kids in the team

Ilan at 5 years old

Ilan Leas

One of the founding members of Pacific Life Re Australia, where he was responsible for strategy, marketing, sales and product.

Former Director at Swiss Re Australia and prior to Australia, Ilan spent 6 years in the UK at Swiss Re in Pricing and Marketing and in general insurance at a subsidiary of BNP Paribas as Head of Underwriting and Actuarial. Before that, he worked in South Africa at Old Mutual in product development, corporate and distribution roles.

Ilan was the Chair of the Life Insurance and Wealth Management Practice Committee at the Actuaries Institute from 2016-2019 and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Ilan has published a book, a variety of articles and presented at a number of conferences (including ASFA, FSC, AIST and the Actuaries Institute) on startups, members expectations, the group risk market, longevity, reinsurance and the future of life insurance.

Ilan is passionate about his family and trying to make a difference, in particular encouraging others to try follow a more entrepreneurial path. In his spare time he runs after his children and the dog and enjoys late night horror films.

Kent at 5 years old

Kent Hopper

Former founder and Principal of Zoeller Consulting, a practice specialising in actuarial and advisory services to life insurers, aged care, and non-traditional areas where amongst other projects, he has run the actuarial side of one of the largest retail reinsurance tenders on behalf of an insurer.

Former Chief Innovation Officer at CommInsure, where he developed and executed two world-first reinsurance transactions in longevity and disability income. Prior to this, Kent was the Head Actuary of the Insurance division at CommInsure/Colonial, providing actuarial services in pricing, product, financial reporting, and strategic advice across retail and group insurance products.

Kent is a member of the Life Insurance and Wealth Management Practice Committee and a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Kent has presented at a number of conferences including ALUCA and the Actuaries Institute on opportunities for Life Insurance disruption.

Kent is passionate about disruption, innovation and his family. In his spare time he cycles and dodges Pink Panther style Cato attacks from his two sons.

Dale at 5 years old

Dale Mitchell

Responsible for the development of Retender’s RDS (Retender Data Service) capabilities.

Dale has extensive experience and knowledge with using Python, R and SQL and developed a transformational and innovative platform for the delivery of reinsurance data to the market.

Dale is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Dale is passionate about technology, programming and creating innovative technical solutions to problems. When he isn’t writing code he enjoys bouldering, playing video games and re-watching the TV show ‘Lost’ for the 100th time to try make sense of the ending.

Yuki at 5 years old

Yuki Kawanishi

Former co-founder and COO of World RIZe, a company focused on improving English education through mobile technology and personalised consultation. Yuki led the venture from idea development through to successful sale.

Skilled in Python, with a strong focus on R, Yuki specialises in advanced financial modelling and complex data analysis to support decision-making.

Yuki is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia.

Yuki is passionate about improving processes, challenging the status quo, and delivering outcomes that are right for both customers and society. Outside of work, he enjoys training at the gym and is preparing for a physique competition that someday he participates in.