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
Having worked with compulsory third party (CTP) insurers for 25 years, Renée Sadler is an accomplished personal injury litigator who specialises in the defence of complex multi-party matters, dual and double insurance issues, and recovery actions.
Sadler acts on behalf of major general insurers in CTP and major claims (Allianz, Suncorp, QBE and Enstar). She has particular expertise in managing claims where multiple complaints have been made on the conduct of claims handled by the insurer to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). This specialty is heavily relied upon by her clients who consider her as the “go-to” for resolving complex matters beyond typical CTP claims and reinforces her dedication to service delivery as a trusted and accomplished CTP expert.
Leveraging her longstanding relationships within the insurance industry, Sadler has significantly expanded Sparke Helmore’s CTP footprint since joining the firm in 2018. In addition to her accomplishments with her practice, including recognition by independent rankings as a leading CTP personal injury lawyer, Sadler has contributed to the success of her team, the insurance industry and the community by using strategic recruitment practices and internal growth to double her team’s size, including supporting five associates to senior associate level.
Sadler has also challenged traditional models of work through leadership of the firm’s flexibility network and supporting flexible working arrangements for her team, as well as providing extensive training to claims advisors on a range of personal injury and legislative matters.
Level 29, 25 Martin Place, Sydney, NSW 2000
+61 2 9260 2731
Renee.Sadler@sparke.com.au
au.linkedin.com/in/reneesadler
sparke.com.au/people/renee-sadler
Renee Sadler
Partner
Sparke Helmore Lawyers
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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
2002
2002–2004
2004–2008
2008–present
2023–present
Admitted to practice at Stewart Cuddy & Mockler/Blake Dawson Waldron
2002
Lawyer/Graduate at Blake Dawson Waldron
2002–
2004
Associate at T L Lawyers
2004–
2008
Partner at Sparke Helmore, T L Lawyers, McLachlan Chilton, Gillis Delany, Curwoods Lawyers
Member of the NSW Women in Insurance association since its inception in 2009
Chaired the annual Personal Injury Intensive Seminar at the University of New South Wales since 2018
Listed as a Leading Defendant CTP Insurance Lawyer in Doyle’s Guide since 2021
2008–
present
Corporate Relationship Manager at AM&T
Lloyd’s Certificate in Marine Insurance
Senior Associate of Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF)
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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