Supporting the growth of our people and helping build a skilled, capable workforce has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career
Joanne Zarb has been named a finalist for the coveted John Walsh Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual at this year’s PIEF Awards. This award recognises Jo’s sustained and meaningful contribution to Australia’s personal injury and disability management industry in a career spanning nearly 40 years.
Since joining EML in 2005, she has led innovative initiatives that have strengthened claims management capability, established structured development pathways and fostered a culture of continuous learning.
A key driver behind EML’s capability programs, Jo continues to be instrumental in developing and enhancing EML GROW, a capability framework that supports employees from entry-level roles through to specialist and leadership positions.
She has helped build stronger leaders, create meaningful career pathways and support capability uplift across our business. Her work has contributed to measurable improvements in performance, quality and consistency, while strengthening outcomes for workers, employers and the broader scheme.
She has helped influence and align industry standards through collaboration with regulators and participation in national working groups focused on professional capability and recognition.
This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the many people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.
Her influence has also positively impacted jurisdictions beyond our shores. Most recently Jo stepped in as a PIEF subject matter expert for the design, review, and refinement of a case manager training program for Alberta, Canada. This initiative has successfully been delivered to insurers across Alberta in preparation for the transition of their automobile insurance scheme from a torts law based system to a comprehensive Care-First model.
Being named as a finalist for the PIEF 2026 is acknowledgement of a lifetime of outstanding service and dedication. We wish Jo the very best for the awards Gala Dinner in Geelong.
