Profile
“Success is when we resolve a client’s issue, and they feel supported and genuinely happy with the outcome”
George Louca,
3LANE Finance
Sara Malins is a well-regarded leader in the insurance industry, bringing more than 35 years of experience to her role at Sedgwick. She began her career with the company as a claims technician in Auckland, managing Lloyd’s Agency Marine claims. She then transitioned into a loss adjuster role and later moved to Whangarei, where she took on the dual role of branch manager and loss adjuster.
Malins’ drive for excellence and commitment to professional development led her into a quality and training role, where she played a key part in establishing best practices across the business. She continued to rise through the ranks, becoming regional manager for the northern region before stepping into her current position as general manager of operations for New Zealand.
In this national leadership role, Malins is passionate about developing people – mentoring emerging talent and supporting career growth throughout the organisation. She also plays a hands-on role in client relations, working closely with partners to resolve operational issues and ensure high standards of service. Her longstanding commitment to people and quality makes her an integral part of Sedgwick’s success and a strong advocate for the industry’s next generation.
2 Reyburn Street, Whangarei
+64 021 993 052
Sara.Malins@sedgwick.com
linkedin.com/in/sara-malins-769b91194
sedgwick.com
Sara Malins
General Manager – Operations
Sedgwick New Zealand
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“I recognise the need to build a stronger brand presence online that differentiates us from the many other brokers and bankers in the market”
George Louca,
3LANE Finance
1990
1996
2000
Present
Present
Early career – worked for an insurance company and ACC
Joined Sedgwick as a claims technician handling Lloyd’s Agency Marine claims in Auckland
1990
Transitioned to loss adjuster and then branch manager
1996
Took on quality and training responsibilities, establishing best practices and later became northern regional manager
2000
General manager of operations focusing on colleague development, client relations, and service delivery across New Zealand
Present
Senior Associate at Cooney Lees Morgan since 2022
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
One of his most pressing challenges is incorporating a social media presence into the business, which has already been successful in terms of repeat business and referrals.
“I recognise the need to build a stronger brand presence online that differentiates us from the many other brokers and bankers in the market,” he adds. “My focus is on being more active on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, which increases visibility and reinforces our position as a firm that consistently solves problems and delivers results.”
George approaches his work with passion and commitment and excels at solving problems, working closely with clients, and building something meaningful for them and the business.
A people person at heart, he finds satisfaction in making a difference. He often puts in long hours, not out of obligation, but because he cares about the work and the growth of 3LANE Finance.
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
George and his team attract and keep clients by delivering tangible results and personalising the process. Most of their work comes from referrals or repeat business, reinforcing that they are doing the right thing. He takes the time to understand what each client needs financially and emotionally and treats their challenges like his own.
“If we do our job well, there’s no reason for them to look elsewhere,” he adds. “Success is when we resolve a client’s issue, and they feel supported and genuinely happy with the outcome.”
He is most proud of building the brokerage from a one-person operation to a six-person team in 2025. That growth was never part of his original plan, but the company took on a life of its own thanks to strong demand, repeat business, and steady referrals.
“I see that growth as a direct reflection of the service we’ve delivered and the trust we’ve earned,” George reflects.
3LANE Finance is known for its expertise in securing commercial finance for various clients, including medical professionals, childcare operators, professional services firms, property investors and small business owners.
MPA named George Louca to its prestigious Top Commercial Brokers of 2025 list, recognising his standout performance by total commercial loan volume over FY24.
•
•
•
•
•
Read on
Read on
