Re-introducing CILA’s High Net Worth & Specie SIG

The CILA High Net Worth & Specie Special Interest Group (SIG) is delighted to announce its relaunch, bringing together a committee of experienced practitioners from across the profession to promote knowledge sharing, professional development and collaboration within this fascinating area of loss adjusting.

The SIG will be co-chaired by Alex Wakefield and Tim Carpenter and will focus on delivering a programme of technical content that is relevant both to experienced High Net Worth practitioners and to those looking to develop their understanding of the sector.

High Net Worth claims are often associated with exceptional homes, fine art, jewellery, watches and other valuable collections, but they also present a unique set of technical and customer service challenges. Many adjusters will encounter these claims at some point in their careers, making an understanding of the sector valuable beyond those who work exclusively within it.

The aim of the SIG is to provide opportunities for members to expand their knowledge through webinars, technical articles, presentations and other events. Whether you’re already working in the High Net Worth arena or simply interested in learning more, the group aims to deliver practical, engaging content that has broad appeal across the profession.

The committee has already begun discussing a range of topics for future technical outputs, including valuations and underinsurance, jewellery and watches, conservation, security and safes, high-value collections, and practical case studies that explore the complexities of managing High Net Worth claims. Plans are also underway for a webinar later this year, with further details to be announced in due course.

The relaunched committee brings together a wealth of expertise from across the market:

Tim Carpenter (Co-chair)
With almost four decades’ loss adjusting experience, Tim leads McLarens’ Private Clients division, having helped establish and grow the team into a national specialist practice. His expertise spans private clients, jewellery, fine art and specie risks, and he has been involved with the SIG for over 15 years.

Alex Wakefield (Co-chair)
Alex joined McLarens’ Private Clients team in 2018, having developed his specialisms in major domestic loss and High Net Worth. He has since been key in introducing the conservation specialism into the team and continuing to develop the use of this valuable skill. Alex has been a member of the SIG for eight years.

Helena Evans
Helena is Managing Director of Criterion Adjusters, a specialist loss adjusting firm focused on High Net Worth claims. With more than 30 years’ experience in insurance and loss adjusting, she has built a reputation for managing claims with technical expertise, empathy, and authenticity. Helena is a former Chair of the CILA High Net Worth & Specie SIG and a Past President of CILA.

Stephen Hayes
Stephen is a Major & Complex Loss Adjuster at Crawford & Co with responsibility for complex domestic and commercial claims. Stephen works closely with leading private client insurers, and his portfolio includes a significant number of High Net Worth losses.

Justin Ingram
Justin joined Kubiq as a Senior High Net Worth & Major and Complex Adjuster last year. His career has spanned both Major Loss and High Net Worth claims, and Justin also has experience across disciplines such as Commercial Insurance and Reinsurance.

Chris Nüstedt
Chris is an Executive Adjuster in McLarens’ Private Clients team, specialising in High Net Worth, jewellers’ block and specie claims, with a background in technical adjusting and commercial strategy. Chris also chairs CILA’s Future Focus Committee and led its recent relaunch.

Michelle Thackeray
With over 25 years loss adjusting experience, Michelle is a Major & Complex Loss Adjuster working for Crawford & Co.  Michelle is responsible for a portfolio of major and complex domestic and commercial claims, which include High Net Worth losses, and works closely with leading private client Insurers in the market.

Jazz Scott
Private Clients Loss Adjuster at McLarens, Jazz specialises exclusively in High Net Worth claims. He also has previous experience in Property claims, Property and Casualty Insurance, Subrogation, Property Damage, and Liability.

As the SIG looks to the future, it is keen to hear from members with an interest in the High Net Worth sector. If you’re an experienced practitioner who would like to join the committee or contribute to its work, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Equally, the SIG would be interested to hear from anyone with ideas for future topics and events.

To get involved or to make a suggestion, please contact info@cila.co.uk.

We encourage all CILA members to keep an eye out for forthcoming webinars and technical content as the High Net Worth & Specie SIG begins an exciting new chapter.