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
In the insurance supply chain, better outcomes depend on how well insurers, experts and service providers work together. Kate Middleton has built her influence by strengthening those connections and giving expert practitioners a more direct role in shaping claims handling.
Her perspective is grounded in a career that spans operational delivery and strategic transformation. Middleton began in the insurance industry with AAMI in 2004 before moving into growth and change functions at Budget Direct, where she worked on systems development and strategic partnerships across motor, property and health.
Middleton later became CEO of Censeo following the collapse of Stream Group, overseeing the run-off of operations and gaining first-hand experience in managing complexity, scale and risk.
As a founding board member and deputy chairperson of the Association for Insurance Building & Engineering Consultants (AiBEC) and the only female director on its board, she has concentrated her work on strengthening collaboration across the industry. She was named to Insurance Business’ Hot List 2026.
Middleton’s role centres on ensuring that those who produce expert reports, including engineers, building consultants, builders and specialist trades, have a voice in how claims are handled and regulatory changes are implemented.
Over the past 12 months, she has been closely involved in driving engagement across the supply chain to support consultation on changes to the General Insurance Code of Practice and upcoming CPS 230 requirements. The aim is to improve claims handling outcomes for insureds and rebuild confidence in the impartiality of expert reporting.
Middleton has played a central role in expanding ARC Projects’ commercial insurance and disaster recovery divisions, with an emphasis on resilience before and after natural disasters, including sustainable building practices and emissions reduction tracking aligned with government remediation requirements.
Her approach to leadership is shaped by a consistent focus on value, evaluating initiatives based on how they benefit clients, internal teams and stakeholders. That discipline reflects lessons drawn from earlier roles, where understanding the risks of scale and the importance of compliance proved critical.
She places a premium on building relationships across the industry. It’s a perspective that underpins her work with AiBEC, where the priority is on collective progress and stronger alignment across the claims ecosystem.
“When it comes to continuously improving our industry and achieving improved consumer outcomes, I firmly believe we are better together,” she says.
AiBEC has launched the first Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Claims Handling in partnership with ANZIIF, while also working with Bond University to deliver training on CPS 230 requirements and governance systems for insurance suppliers.
At ARC Projects, Middleton has joined the senior leadership team for its sustainability strategy, Build Clean, Lead Green, which is being piloted with insurers.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have the networks I do and to be at the mid-point of my career,” she remarks. “My focus is on continuing to learn, grow, invest in relationships and give back to the industry whenever possible.”
That mindset is reflected in how she approaches the industry itself. Insurance, in her view, is defined by constant change, from regulatory reform and climate impacts to technological development and workforce pressures. Maintaining resilience and momentum within that environment has become a core part of her leadership.
Level 1/832 Southport Nerang Rd, Nerang, QLD 4211
0424 159 276
kate.middleton@arcprojects.com.au
linkedin.com/in/katemiddletonsalesandstrategy
Kate Middleton
National Operations Manager – Disaster Recovery & Government
ARC Projects
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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
2016
2017
2019
2026
Present
Winner, Woman’s Agenda Entrepreneur of the Year
2016
Finalist, Channel 7 Business Person of the Year
Finalist, Business News Australia Young Entrepreneur of the Year
2017
Winner, Hexagon Global Geosystems Innovation winner in Las Vegas, where she beat leading technology businesses for innovation in using ground-penetrating radar for non-invasive, sub-floor leak detection assessments
2019
Winners’ List, Insurance News, 2026 APAC Elite Women
2026
Senior Associate at Cooney Lees Morgan since 2022
Present
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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