Profile
Kathleen Warden is CEO for AIG Australia and a non-executive director for New Zealand. Professionally, her defining strength is fusing together a passion for helping people pursue their ambitions and a motivation to take on challenges. These dual interests have been key in shaping her collaborative leadership style.
“I think a lot about the network of people around me so that I can work out who the right people are to bring a solution to life,” she says. “My approach is also a work in progress, as I’m working on being a better coach for our leadership team.”
While she readily acknowledges the role of timing and opportunity, her trajectory has been anything but accidental. Warden has consistently “worked hard to get stuff done, to learn and to connect with people” – a combination that has seen her rise through underwriting and distribution roles without ever losing sight of the client at the centre of every decision.
Today, as CEO, there’s been a steep learning curve since assuming the position in June 2025, which she describes as a “rewarding experience”.
Warden adds, “When I stepped into this role, I didn’t appreciate how much being a female CEO would mean to so many people. That increases the responsibility and holds me accountable. This also helps reinforce a desire to leave everything better than how I found it and help others see that they are capable of so much more than they think.”
Her growth mindset further sets her apart. Having worked for four global insurers, Warden has taken full advantage of the extensive learning and leadership development opportunities available, from structured and unstructured mentoring to global leadership cohorts.
This continuous improvement mentality signals to colleagues at every level that development is not a phase but a career-long commitment.
While Warden considers herself fortunate not to have faced some of the structural career barriers many women do, she is clear-eyed about their existence and vocal about solutions. She champions changing attitudes towards men as carers and the importance of leaders supporting parental leave.
“There’s a responsibility on leaders to be supportive of people – women and men – taking up these benefits and ensuring they’re not seen as disengaged or less committed to the job,” she says. “Responsibilities as a carer are terrific for building humility, character and leadership skills which will only benefit them in their work.”
Additionally, Warden urges other women in the insurance industry to seek out leaders they admire, to be intentional about mentoring, and to focus less on titles and more on what they will learn, do and contribute.
She says, “There are many inspiring leaders in our industry – you don't have to look far to find them at all.”
Level 19, 2 Park Street, Sydney 2000
+61 8 8394 4544
colleen@grappler.io
linkedin.com/in/kathleen-warden-5a118b2
aig.com.au
Kathleen Warden
Chief Executive Officer
AIG Australia
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Bio
Milestones
2008–2012
2012–2017
2017–2023
2023–2025
Present
Senior Underwriter at Chubb
2008–2012
State Manager, NSW and ACT at Berkley Insurance Australia
2012–2017
Senior Underwriter and Head of Customer and Broker Engagement at Berkshire Hathaway
2017–2023
Head of Client and Broker Engagement for Asia-Pacific and Australia at AIG
2023–2025
CEO at AIG Australia since 2025
Present
Milestones
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
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
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
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.