Leading the way at CHU: Meet Kara McInnes – National Claims Service Manager
Kara McInnes, the National Claims Service Manager at CHU Underwriting Agencies, embodies CHU’s values of leading the way when it comes to developing and mentoring CHU’s claims team.
Born and raised in Brisbane, Kara started her insurance career in 2011 and joined CHU in 2017 as Claims Team Manager before moving into her role as National Claims Service Manager.
In 2020, Kara was awarded the coveted “Young Gun’ Award by Insurance Business, and it made her think more about her future and her career path.
“This moment kick started my desire to do something with my career and the belief that I could achieve anything I put my mind to,” she says. “I realised I’m smarter than I was giving myself credit for, and decided it was time I actually applied myself.”
Kara is currently completing her MBA and is looking forward to further developing her career with CHU (her goal is to become the COO of CHU). Kara is driven to lead by example and has always believed in continual learning, which she has encouraged within her team.
The role of National Claims Service Manager at CHU is multifaceted, but the focus is to ensure CHU customers receive the best possible service when it comes lodging and processing a claim with CHU.
Claims is the moment of truth for insurers when we must deliver on our promise. That is where Kara’s dedication makes all the difference. Kara understands that customers can be at their most vulnerable at the time of a claim, especially when it’s a large-scale catastrophe claim.
Kara acknowledges the opportunities CHU has offered, has fostered an environment where she can thrive and excel as a leader. Under the leadership of CEO, Kimberley Jonsson and Head of Claims, David Gow, Kara has felt empowered and supported to make decisions, lead the team, and implement improvements into the claims handling process for CHU. This has resulted in better outcomes for CHU customers.
National Claims Convention
Kara was the driving force behind CHU’s inaugural Claims Convention in 2023 where the entire national claims team came together in Sydney to learn and develop their skills and share their diverse perspectives.
"I try to come up with strategies that suit both the business and people," McInnes shares. "being able to get that balance right always fills me with pride."
CHU Future Forum
Kara participated in CHU’s Future Forum where she and her project team put forward ideas to change the landscape of claims management and assist clients to access resources that will help them better service their customers.
She was also a panellist at the Insurance Business Innovation Summit in 2023.
Charting the Course Forward and Supporting Others
As a member of the ANZIIF General insurance Faculty Advisory Board (GI FAB) and the Rising Stars in Insurance Seminar committee, McInnes is committed to inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. She hopes to impart the importance of academic learning and intentional growth, guiding aspiring professionals towards fulfilling and impactful careers.
