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
Vicky Takos is honoured to be recognized as a woman of influence in the insurance industry, a distinction attributed to both her professional achievements and the values she holds dear, including community engagement, diversity, and continuous learning. Starting as an assistant underwriter specialising in workers’ compensation, she is proud of her journey shaped by mentorship from esteemed leaders who have propelled her growth.
In July 2022, she achieved a significant milestone, becoming the chief operating officer (COO) at HMIA, a testament to the trust bestowed upon her by the CEO and General Manager. As a COO, she is dedicated to fostering mentorship and positive influence within the organisation and the wider insurance community. At the core of HMIA’s ethos is the cultivation of meaningful partnerships through trust and collaboration.
Takos advocates for team synergy, believing that strong internal and external relationships are pivotal for corporate success and the advancement of the insurance industry. In my leadership, authenticity is paramount, fostering a culture of trust and respect. Resilience, determination, and the ability to nurture meaningful relationships are foundational, contributing to sustained success. Empowerment and a forward-looking vision guide my leadership, ensuring a legacy of positive impact, continuous learning, and collaborative success.
She is also passionate about leveraging her position to effect positive change, a sentiment reflected in her avid involvement in charity initiatives. To date, she has spearheaded fundraising campaigns that have collectively accrued over $100,000 for various not-for-profit organisations. These endeavours ranged from personal challenges such a a 40-km bike ride through Adelaide, to larger-scale efforts such as the CEO Dare to Cure Campaign.
Suite 12.02, Level 12, 1 Castlereagh St., Sydney 2000
02 9227 8431
victoria.takos@hmia.com.au
linkedin.com/in/vicky-takos-b377a895
https://www.hmia.com.au/
Vicky Takos
Chief Operating Officer
HMIA
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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
1999–2010
2010–2016
2016–2020
2020–current
2023–present
Various roles as Commercial Underwriter and Team Leader
1999–
2010
Broker Relationship Manager
2010–
2016
Broker Account Executive
2016–
2020
Chief Operating Officer
2020–
current
State Manager WA at GT Insurance
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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