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
Ainsley Smith is a seasoned professional in the marine insurance sector with over 15 years of experience. Through her unwavering commitment to brokers and their clients, she has become a trusted figure in her field and is distinguished for her innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail.
Smith’s expertise shines particularly in underwriting commercial hull accounts and complex cargo policies for major Australian importers and exporters. She navigates the intricacies of the marine insurance market with finesse. As a senior technical underwriter at AM&T, she serves as a mentor and coach, dedicating time to research and developing training materials on challenging aspects of marine insurance, maritime laws, and conventions.
Beyond her professional role, Smith extends mentorship to younger professionals and volunteers her time in local junior sporting groups. Her qualifications include a Diploma of Insurance and a Lloyd’s Certificate in Marine Insurance, highlighting her commitment to continuous learning.
Committed to social responsibility, she supports various charities, particularly focusing on the Leukemia Foundation. Her multifaceted involvement, dedication to mentorship, and commitment to social responsibility position her as a well-rounded and influential figure in the marine insurance industry.
Level 10, 243 Edward Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
0417 636 687
ainsley.smith@amandtaustralia.com.au
linkedin.com/in/ainsley-smith-2a18a851
amandtaustralia.com.au
Ainsley Smith
National Underwriter – Marine
GT Insurance
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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
2011–2012
2012–2014
2014–2023
2023–present
2023–present
Underwriting Officer at Vero
2011–
2012
Underwriter at Vero
Diploma of General Insurance from ANZIIF
2012–
2014
Senior Underwriter Leader at AM&T
2014–
2023
National Underwriter Marine at AM&T
2023–
present
Chief Bancassurance Officer at Manulife Singapore
2023–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
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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