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
Paula Cruden established Integrite Insurance in 2018 with a focus on servicing non-profit organizations, community groups, and disability service providers. She loves getting into the technical analysis of policy wordings and helping her clients find insurance solutions to their unique services.
Cruden attributes her business success to building strong relationships with her clients and underwriters, aligning herself with an amazing broker network, McLardy McShane, and a strong mentor, David, who has provided guidance, advice, and friendship throughout her career.
Family means the world to Cruden. She was lucky enough to meet and marry the man of her dreams and they are raising two energetic and cheeky boys by the beach in Maroubra. She is close to her two sisters and she will be forever grateful for their love and support.
Level 2, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
0420978292
pcruden@integriteinsurance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/paulacruden
integriteinsurance.com.au
Paula Cruden
Managing Director
Integrite 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
2013–2016
2016–2018
2018–present
2014–2021
2021–present
Community Underwriting General Manager
2013–
2016
NSW Business Development Underwriting Manager at Ansvar Insurance
2016–
2018
2018–present: Managing Director at Integrite Insurance, specialising in disability, not-for-profit, faith and education
2023: NIBA Community Excellence Award
2018–
present
Product management and governance: Led SME and personal lines growth and managed product governance, emphasising compliance
2014–
2021
Head of product delivery createing value for BZI and its stakeholders by efficiently delivering a broad product suite to the market in a digital environment. This includes the ongoing governance and change management aspects to manage the complex and evolving external market and regulatory environment.
2021–
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.”
overseeing large-scale operations
consistent delivery of high-performance results
establishing a culture that prioritises the wellbeing of individuals
She joined Gallagher Bassett in 2021 as a senior operations manager. Her swift progression within the organisation culminated in her current appointment in November 2023.
Vounakis is renowned for driving transformative industry change, notably in addressing mental health challenges within the sector. Through tenacious collaboration with mental health professionals, she was instrumental in developing a landmark return-to-work program that has improved outcomes for challenging cases.
She has positively impacted the broader community and set an exceptional example for the industry as a whole with her ability to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation schemes in Victoria.
Her expertise and dedication have led to significant turnarounds in the performance of complex government portfolios, facilitating injured individuals’ recovery and return to work through innovative strategies.
Industry colleagues attest to her passion for turning intricate issues into practical solutions, a testament to her depth of knowledge and professionalism. With her tireless work ethic and client-centric approach, she goes above and beyond to ensure her team delivers the best possible outcomes.
“As an Elite Woman, my goal is to drive positive change in the industry by leveraging my expertise,” she remarks.
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