WINNER: Underwriting Agencies Council Underwriting Agency of the Year

CHU Underwriting Agencies

Kimberley Jonsson

Chief Executive Officer

Kimberley Jonsson was appointed CEO of CHU in 2020, following a 15-year career with the company. Her extensive experience has led to her recognition as one of Australia’s leading strata insurance specialists. She is frequently called upon by both the strata and insurance sectors to present on key industry topics. Jonsson is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is both a Fellow and Board Member of ANZIIF. She also holds an MBA from AIM Business School.

Chief Executive Officer

Kimberley Jonsson

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@agileunderwriting

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As an independent, forward-thinking girls’ school we are committed to preparing girls for a lifetime of learning, leadership and engagement in our global community. We believe in girls. At Ruyton Girls’ School we foster the individuality of each girl in a caring and safe environment, nurturing her intellectual, physical, social and emotional qualities that are essential to flourish. Powerful learning is central to the Ruyton culture, building on our strong academic reputation. We focus on advancing the learning of every girl through the engagement of intellectual curiosity, building their knowledge and skills about how to learn, and supporting them to achieve their personal best and be exemplary citizens. We believe in real-world learning beyond the classroom, collaborating with the wider community to promote growth, discovery and sustainability. We empower our girls to lead lives of purpose with courage, character and compassion. Through the development of values and action-focused learning they are inspired to pursue equity and justice for self and others. By embracing diversity and raising their voices, our girls effect positive change and make a difference.

CHU Underwriting Agencies (CHU) is Australia’s first dedicated strata underwriting agency, with a strong focus on leading innovation in the industry. The company prides itself on embracing the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and technology while also championing diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability. CHU offers a wide range of comprehensive insurance products tailored to the needs of strata schemes, covering everything from residential apartments, units, villas and townhouses to commercial strata properties and community title schemes. Part of the Steadfast Group, one of Australia’s largest networks of general insurance brokers and underwriting agencies, CHU benefits from the financial strength and backing of Steadfast, an ASX-listed company with $13 billion in total billings. Policies underwritten by CHU are provided by QBE Insurance, one of the world’s top 20 insurance companies, adding an extra layer of security and credibility. As one of the largest across the country, with an insured value exceeding half a trillion dollars. The company’s achievements include multiple prestigious awards, such as the ANZIIF Excellence in Environmental, Social, and Governance Change (ESG) Award in 2024, Underwriting Agency of the Year (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023), and Insurance Business Claims Team of the Year in 2024.

James Makin

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Kristy Pownall is a senior professional who has operated at director level for over 15 years in the position of head of people and culture/HR director. She has multi-regional experience covering Australia, APAC, the UK, and Europe across a range of sectors, including professional services, media, technology and insurance. Pownall has enabled organisations to move through periods of rapid growth and change. Her area of expertise allows her to understand the importance of communication, connection and community in delivering successful business outcomes.

Head of People and Communications

Kristy Pownall

EVENT PARTNER

Kristy Pownall

Head of People and Communications

Steve Tchepak

Head of Underwriting

David Gow

Head of Claims

Anirudh Kakulapati

Chief Customer Officer

James Makin is the CFO and COO at CHU. He has been with the company for over eight years and was previously head of commercial portfolio management at Zurich Australia. He has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. Makin has extensive experience in actuarial analytics across both life and general insurance in Australia and overseas.

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

James Makin

Steve Tchepak became Head of Underwriting at CHU in June 2019. He has over 20 years of experience in strata management and strata insurance, and has held several roles within CHU, including Commercial Underwriting Manager, Team Leader, and NSW/ACT Underwriting Manager.

Head of Underwriting

Steve Tchepak

David Gow has over 30 years of experience in handling property, public liability, employers’ liability and motor third party or personal injury claims. Along with his extensive experience, he is a senior associate of ANZIIF and a chartered loss adjuster for AICLA. Gow’s previous role was head of property claims at QBE Insurance.

Head of Claims

David Gow

Anirudh Kakulapati is the CCO at CHU. He has rapidly progressed in his career since joining the insurance industry in 2008, relocating three times in pursuit of his goal to be an exceptional leader. His previous roles were head of distribution, head of customer service and state manager for QLD and NT for CHU.

Chief Customer Officer

Anirudh Kakulapati