Steadfast Group has appointed David Gillespie (pictured) as its new chief technology officer, effective May 2025.
In his new position, Gillespie will lead the company’s enterprise IT strategy, oversee the development of Steadfast’s insurtech platforms – including the Steadfast Client Trading Platform and INSIGHT – and support digital transformation initiatives across the business.
Gillespie has over 20 years of experience in technology, digital transformation, and financial services, having held senior leadership roles at TAL, Fidelity, and Allianz.
Steadfast’s founder, managing director, and CEO, Robert Kelly AM, said the addition of Gillespie would enhance the company’s leadership team as it continues to invest in technology-driven growth.
“David’s vast international expertise in leading major technology transformation programs will be crucial as we continue to develop our world-class insurance technology to benefit our broker network and their clients,” Kelly said.
He added that the new addition’s expertise strengthens the company’s leadership team and aligns with its long-term strategy for sustainable business expansion.
Gillespie said he was looking forward to contributing to Steadfast’s digital innovation efforts, including enhancing efficiency, scaling operations, and driving digital transformation.
“I’m incredibly excited to join Steadfast at this point in their journey,” he said. “Steadfast's continued international expansion and unwavering focus on innovative products and services for general insurance brokers, underwriting agencies, and subsidiaries are truly impressive.”
Steadfast’s leadership appointment comes amid increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology by insurers across Australia and New Zealand.
According to the report, many insurance firms are leveraging AI to improve claims processing, customer interactions, and risk analysis. Predictive analytics is being used to refine pricing models and streamline underwriting processes.
ISG partner and Asia Pacific lead Michael Gale said that insurers will need to modernise legacy systems to stay competitive in an evolving digital landscape.
The report highlighted a shift in IT spending, with insurers diversifying their technology strategies by incorporating nearshoring, offshoring, and insourcing alongside traditional outsourcing models. Many are also increasing their reliance on cloud platforms to modernise IT systems and support Agile project delivery.
It also underscored the importance of intellectual property protection and data security in AI-driven processes, urging insurers to implement robust measures to safeguard sensitive information.
