Both Steadfast Grou[ and Arch Insurance Australia have announced key leadership moves.
Steadfast Group has named Susan Donaldson (pictured left) as the incoming chief executive officer of Steadfast Claims Solutions (SCS), the company’s dedicated claims management division. Donaldson, who is set to begin her tenure on Oct. 8, will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of SCS, with a focus on service delivery and stakeholder engagement across the business.
Donaldson’s background spans over 20 years within the insurance industry, with a concentration on claims management, regulatory compliance, and operational leadership.
Before joining Steadfast, she served as head of claims at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, where she led the development of claims processes tailored to the Australian regulatory landscape. Her previous experience includes senior roles at Zurich Financial Services and Chubb Insurance.
Mark Senkevics, CEO – underwriting agencies at Steadfast Group, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Susan to Steadfast Claims Solutions. Her extensive expertise and leadership in claims management will be instrumental in driving innovation and delivering superior claims solutions for clients.”
Steve Toppercov, who has been acting as interim CEO, will return to his role as chief operating officer of SCS.
Senkevics acknowledged Toppercov’s contribution during the transition period. “I would like to thank Steve for his contribution as interim CEO. His leadership and support of the SCS team have been invaluable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arch Insurance Australia has expanded its professional indemnity (PI) team with the appointment of Jacqueline Kilday (pictured right) as senior PI underwriter for the Northern Region.
Kilday will be tasked with supporting the growth of Arch’s PI portfolio and servicing brokers across New South Wales, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. She will report to Chris Carreno, PI Northern Region manager.
Kilday brings over a decade of experience in financial lines, having previously held the position of head of professional & financial risks at 360 Underwriting Solutions. Her career also includes senior roles at QBE Insurance and Zurich Financial Services Australia.
Carreno said Kilday’s technical expertise, professional indemnity experience, and understanding of the local market will be important as Arch Insurance Australia continues to expand its PI business.
“Her strong broker relationships and commitment to service delivery will further enhance Arch’s ability to deliver tailored solutions and strengthen broker partnerships,” he said.
Earlier in 2025, Arch Insurance Australia appointed Carey Sturgiss as senior underwriter for the Southern Region, focusing on PI risks across sectors such as construction, legal, architecture, engineering, and financial services.
Sturgiss, who is based in Melbourne, reports to Aisling Hegarty, Southern Region underwriting manager for professional indemnity. She brings more than 20 years of experience in financial lines underwriting, including a previous role at Chubb Insurance.
