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
Donna Scully is the joint owner and director of Carpenters Group, the UK’s leading provider of insurance and legal services. The firm collaborates with insurers, brokers and MGAs to deliver a variety of fully outsourced claims solutions.
As a lawyer and seasoned public speaker, Scully frequently authors industry articles on topics such as fraud, reform, and other issues impacting the insurance and legal markets. Scully actively contributes to the industry as a member of the editorial board of Modern Insurance Magazine and as chair of the Insurance Times Fraud Charter group.
Beyond her professional commitments, Scully is passionate about social mobility and making a positive impact in the community. She serves as an ambassador for Fans Supporting Foodbanks and a mentor for The Girls’ Network and The Insurance Breakfast Club. She is a staunch advocate for women’s rights, equality and social mobility.
In her personal life, Scully is the mother of twin sons. She enjoys pilates and engaging with social media during her leisure time.
Her accolades include the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2014 Personal Injury Awards for her work in establishing ask CUE PI. In September 2018, she jointly won Insurance Post magazine’s Social Media Influencer Award.
Recognised as one of Insurance Business UK’s Elite Women in 2022, she also received the Outstanding Charity Support Award in 2021 at the Liverpool Echo Regional Business Awards for her charitable efforts during the pandemic. Carpenters Group earned the Outstanding CSR Award at the YM Liverpool Property & Business Awards in 2022.
Scully’s achievements continued in 2023, as she was once again named on Insurance Business UK’s Elite Women list and featured on its Global 100 list. She was shortlisted in the ‘Person with Purpose’ category at the Northern Power Women Awards and received the Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award at the Modern Claims Awards.
Additionally, she was included in the Insurance Post Power List for 2023. In 2024, Scully celebrated being named Merseyside Business Leader & Woman of the Year. Additionally, she was recognised on the IBUK Elite Women list and received the Metro Choice Social Impact Award at the Employer’s Excellence Awards.
Scotts Quays, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH411 FB
0777 187 4399
dms@carpentersgroup.com
linkedin.com/in/donnascully
carpentersgroup.co.uk
Donna Scully
Joint Owner and Director
Carpenters Group
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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
1994
1995
1994–2024
2024
Present
Extended a partnership offer at Jeffrey Green Russell, London. Declined the offer to join John Carpenter in establishing a motor PI division at Carpenters Group.
1994
Departed from school at 16, undertook a secretarial course, and pursued further education. Achieved qualification as a part-time lawyer at 30. Gained experience in Newcastle upon Tyne and Mishcon de Reya in London.
Initiated insurance motor work at Jeffrey Green Russell, London, ultimately leading their motor PI department.
1995
Over three decades, Carpenters Group has evolved into an industry leader, steadfast in its commitment to exceptional service. Held the position of Chairman of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society from 2010 to 2012.
1994–
2024
Celebrated the 30th anniversary of Carpenters Group, a milestone reflecting immense pride and serving as a launch pad for future growth.
2024
Carpenters Group employs over 1,350 individuals across seven UK offices, providing a comprehensive range of legal and insurance services.
Continued collaboration with the Ministry of Justice on industry reforms, engages in public discourse on insurance and legal matters, and contributes articles to various periodicals.
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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