Howden Insurance Appoints Catherine Osborne as Head
The brokerage firm has named the former Marsh executive to lead its technical and claims division in Australia.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
Howden Insurance Brokers Australia has appointed Catherine Osborne as its new head of technical and claims. The announcement follows her tenure as the chief claims officer at Marsh Pacific.
Why it matters
The appointment strengthens the leadership team at Howden as the firm continues to expand its presence within the Australian insurance market. Osborne brings extensive experience from her background in both law and insurance leadership roles.
Osborne contributes 20 years of experience as a law firm partner and 9 years of service as a non-executive director at Zurich Australian Superannuation. The firm previously recruited her from her role as chief claims officer at Marsh Pacific.
The players
Catherine Osborne
She serves as the new head of technical and claims at Howden Insurance Brokers Australia after previously working as chief claims officer for Marsh Pacific.
Matt Bacon
He serves as the CEO of Howden Australia and has led the firm since June 2021.
Stuart McKellar
He is the head of commercial and affinity at Howden Australia.
Nick Chubb
He serves as the head of financial lines at Howden Australia.
The details
Howden confirmed the appointment through a social media update, highlighting Osborne's background in legal and claims management. Her transition follows a significant career path that includes a long-standing partnership at a law firm and executive oversight within the insurance sector.
Timeline
2004: DUAL group launched in Australia.
March 2021: Howden launched as a broker in Australia.
June 2021: Howden named Matt Bacon CEO.
December 2021: Osborne became chief claims officer for Marsh Pacific.
15 October 2026: Howden announced Osborne's appointment.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows a pattern set by the Howden Insurance Brokers Australia corporate expansion strategy, which prioritizes senior talent acquisition to compete in the regional market. It positions the firm to further challenge established competitors through the integration of high-level legal and claims expertise.
For clients, this leadership change signals a heightened focus on the technical handling and resolution of insurance claims. Customers working with Howden may see more specialised oversight regarding complex insurance matters.
The takeaway
The addition of an industry veteran like Osborne highlights the growing importance of technical expertise in the competitive insurance brokerage landscape. Hiring leaders with both legal and claims backgrounds is an increasingly common approach for firms looking to enhance their client service offerings.
Further reading
For more information on executive moves in the region, visit the Australia People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Business.
