Association of Average Adjusters Annual Conference 2025

In May, the Association of Average Adjusters (AAA) held their 156th Annual Conference in the historic surroundings of Lloyd’s of London.  The event was a timely reminder that, despite rapid advances in technology, marine casualty work remains fundamentally a people‑centred discipline. Outgoing Chair, Ann Waite, spoke passionately about the need for ‘hands‑on collaboration’ when dealing with collisions, salvage, General Average and pollution claims, cautioning that no algorithm can yet replace an experienced adjuster.

This theme resonates strongly with Brookes Bell’s own multidisciplinary approach.  Our experts rely on cutting‑edge tools every day, yet it is close engagement between experts that turns data into defensible advice.

The Conference also marked a significant leadership transition.  We congratulate Chris Kilbee, founder of MCO in Singapore and a Fellow since 1987, on his election as AAA Chair for 2025‑26, and welcome Stelios Magkanaris as Vice‑Chair.  Chris has pledged to raise the Association’s global profile and to encourage brokers, underwriters and shipowner representatives to sit the rigorous AAA examinations.  As a long‑standing supporter of professional development, Brookes Bell shares this ambition; broadening the qualification base will only strengthen the chain of trust underpinning marine claims handling.

Membership growth, up double digits on last year, and the addition of a new Fellow, Senior Associate and Associates, underlines the AAA’s vitality.  Coupled with lively debate on decarbonisation, autonomous vessels, and diversity and inclusion, the conference reinforced that our industry is evolving at pace.

We were energised by the shared resolve to keep human insight at the heart of casualty work, while embracing technology where it adds value.  Brookes Bell will continue to engage proactively with the AAA and the wider marine market, sharing lessons learnt, contributing to educational initiatives, and supporting the next generation of adjusters and experts.

We look forward to collaborating with the newly appointed Chair, Chris Kilbee, and the AAA leadership team over the coming year.