Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Stefan Feldmann is the head of HDI Global Asia Pacific, as well as the managing director of HDI Global SE, Australia, and HDI Global Specialty SE, Australia and New Zealand.
Since joining the group in 2010 and relaunching the HDI Global SE brand, he has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s significant growth.
Feldmann oversees operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, which also include Greater China and South Korea. In 2024, he spearheaded the expansion of HDI’s Dubai operations, which now serve the Middle East region.
The Asia-Pacific region is one of the fastest-growing areas for HDI Global, and Feldmann’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, beginning his career as an underwriter in his native Germany.
Feldmann explains, “Drawing on my extensive industry experience, I’ve fostered a team-oriented culture at HDI, creating a sense of unity and purpose that enhances our work environment and strengthens our relationships with key partners.”
A key strength of Feldmann’s leadership is his ability to balance ambitious growth with an innovative mindset.
“As we continue to expand and evolve, it is crucial to maintain our culture of being refreshingly different,” he says. “It’s essential that we regularly communicate and reflect on this culture to ensure it stays fresh, engaging and inspiring for both our team and clients.”
Over the past 12 months, Feldmann has focused on prioritising authentic, long-term partnerships. He has also worked to support broker partners and clients by developing products, services and capabilities tailored to their needs.
“We aim to be our clients' preferred partner in transformation,” he notes. “To achieve this, we must remain adaptable and attuned to their evolving needs, which is why we maintain close, ongoing dialogues with them.”
HDI offers a broad range of products designed to protect businesses from risks worldwide, including international insurance programs. Their exceptional service also includes comprehensive coverage for personnel assignments abroad.
While they traditionally serve large industrial corporate clients, HDI is expanding its reach to the mid-market sector as the company continues to grow.
“We place a premium on personal interactions, whether through video calls or face-to-face meetings,” says Feldmann. “Building relationships with our clients and brokers is crucial. We believe that genuine engagement is key to earning our partners' trust.”
Honoured as one of Insurance Business’ Global 100 for 2025, Feldmann continues to make an impact on the global stage. The opening of HDI’s Dubai International Financial Centre office is part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its global presence.
Feldmann attributes this success to the unique culture cultivated within HDI’s Australian branch, which has helped establish the company as a leading industrial insurer.
“Our culture sets us apart from other insurers in the region,” he explains. “Our teams work collaboratively, employees take ownership of their actions, and performance is the guiding principle. Ultimately, this culture directly supports our goal of being a preferred partner for clients and brokers.”
He concludes, “With our expert teams, we meet the needs of dynamic businesses and pave the way for their success.”
Level 19, 20 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
(02) 8274 4200
au.syd.reception@hdi.global
http://linkedin.com/company/hdiglobal-se
http://hdi.global/en-au
Stefan Feldmann
Head of HDI Global Asia Pacific, Managing Director HDI Global SE Australia
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Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
1995–1997
2005–2010
2016
2022
2023–Present
1995: Underwriter, International Department/Casualty at Allianz AG, Munich
1997: Regional Manager Liability, Asia Pacific at Allianz Re and AGCS, Singapore
1995–
1997
2005: Head of AGCS Pacific
2010: Managing Director of HDI Global SE Australia
2005–
2010
Regional Head, ASEAN and Australasia; Managing Director of HDI Global SE, Australia
2016
Head of HDI Global Asia Pacific; Managing Director HDI Global SE, Australia
2022
2023: HDI closed over half a billion of GWP, an increase of 35% on the previous year.
2024: Head of HDI Global Asia Pacific, Managing Director HDI Global SE Australia
2023-Present
2023: HDI closed over half a billion of GWP, an increase of 35% on the previous year 2024.
2024: Head of HDI Global Asia Pacific, Managing Director HDI Global SE, Australia; Managing Director HDI Global Specialty SE, Australia & New Zealand
2003-Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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