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
Robbie Bennett, senior associate, is an exceptional member of Cooney Lees Morgan’s property and development team. He acts for some of their largest and most significant clients.
Despite tough economic conditions, Bennett has added substantial financial value to the firm by attracting high-profile clients (including NZX-listed entities). He is now working closely with those new clients and continuing to grow those new relationships.
Aside from handling large-scale residential, commercial and industrial property work, Bennett is generous with his time in mentoring junior team members. He is quick to collaborate and is an important link between the property and development team and other practice groups, ensuring the right work is always handled by the right people.
He continuously works hard to sharpen his legal skills and expertise by seizing professional development opportunities and attending property industry events.
In addition to his regular workload, Bennett has played a key role in helping Cooney Lees Morgan prepare to roll out a new practice management system in 2025. This has been a huge undertaking and shows his commitment and dedication to his employer and colleagues.
Level 3, 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga
07 927 0549
kgeorge@clmlaw.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/robbie-bennett-79373ba3
cooneyleesmorgan.co.nz
Robbie Bennett
Senior Associate
Cooney Lees Morgan
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“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
2014–2017
2017–2021
2021–2022
2024
Present
Solicitor at Neverman Bennett Lawyers
2014–
2017
Solicitor and Senior Solicitor at Chapman Tripp
2017–
2021
Senior Associate at Chapman Tripp
2021–
2022
Law Association of NZ webinar presenter in Identifying and Navigating Competition Law Issues in Commercial Property Transactions
2024
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
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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