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
Renee Cosgrave, serving as chief operations officer at Stella Insurance, is more than just a title on her business card. In a startup environment where flexibility and versatility are paramount, she thrives on wearing many hats and contributing across all facets of the business.
With over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Renee has a wealth of knowledge in leading teams and nurturing business growth. Before her journey with Stella, she spent nearly seven years with an insurance broker. During her tenure there, she launched a direct-to-consumer device insurance product in the Australian market, showcasing her innovative spirit and strategic thinking.
Renee doesn't see Stella as the sole answer, but she firmly believes that all businesses can play a vital part in making the world a better place. Her vision revolves around considering the needs of women during product development, sales and service, and management, and putting social responsibility at the forefront of decision-making.
Her journey with Stella began in 2019 when she was the very first employee. She played an instrumental role in transforming the business from a visionary concept into the remarkable success story it is today in Australia.
One of Renee's proudest career achievements was launching Stella in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company introduced its first product, car insurance, at a time when people were restricted from driving. It was a bold move that exemplified her resilience and adaptability.
Level 13, 50 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
1300 633 811
renee@stellainsurance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/renee-cosgrave-b973b370
stellainsurance.com.au
Renee Cosgrave
Chief Operations Officer
Stella 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
2012-2015
2015–2019
2019–present
2022–present
2022–present
Head of Sales Australia and Executive Team Member at Brightside Co.
2012-2015
Global Head of Product & Commercial Partners and Executive Team Member at Brightside Co.
2015–
2019
Chief Operations Officer and appointed Director at Stella Insurance
Successfully built Stella Insurance in the Australian market, from the start up to scale up, achieving triple-digit growth YOY since launch, winning eight awards across industry, brand, products, innovation and campaign recognition
Evolved the Stella strategy from being a female-focused car insurer to a purpose-driven business standing behind DV to champion gender equality and social impact, contributing thousands of dollars to key charity partners
2019–
present
Liability Underwriting Manager, QLD at Allianz
2022–
present
Executive Team Member at Network Insurance Group
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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