With more than 30 years of experience in the title insurance industry, Steve Lessack has established a reputation for strong leadership both among his peers and within the legal community. He spearheads our search to find new and better ways to support Stewart’s partners — the legal professionals that are essential to every real estate transaction.

With Stewart since 1997, Steve oversees all of Stewart's International Operations; Commercial Services Division; Asset Preservation, Inc.; and Stewart Insurance and Risk Management. He has greatly expanded cross-border commercial transactions and the development of new insurance products while overseeing the direction and business strategy for his areas. Under his leadership, the International Operations have experienced unprecedented growth and he continues to identify opportunities, building the business and expanding operations in established and new markets.

Previously, Steve owned and operated an independent agency in New York, which was later acquired by Stewart. He attended California State University in San Bernardino.

Ciaran Westland leads Stewart’s Australian management team and is responsible for overseeing the company’s general business and regulatory functions. Ciaran develops Stewart’s growth plans and ensures the execution of our strategic business objectives aligning them with Stewart’s overall mission — to serve Australian buyers and owners by providing comprehensive, innovative title insurance through a non-competitive partnership with legal professionals.

Ciaran is constantly looking for ways that we can better service our clients, not only by helping them close their real estate deals more efficiently and cost effectively but by also providing resources such as online tools, support materials and better processes that strengthen  their businesses. In addition, Ciaran develops third-party partnerships that bring more to the table for both Stewart and our clients.

Ciaran has been with Stewart since 2011. Prior to joining Stewart, Ciaran was the chief executive officer of the Australian Institute of Conveyancers (WA Division) and a member of the Property Industry Advisory Committee for the Department of Commerce in Western Australia. He has more than 20 years of combined operational and senior management experience. Ciaran earned his degree at Queen’s University of Belfast.

Ciaran can be reached on:

T 02 9081 6204 | 1800 300 440
E [email protected]

Paul Watkins is responsible for the management and direction of the Underwriting and Legal Departments, including commercial and residential policy development, regulatory compliance, claims and underwriting supervision and general corporate legal matters. He strives to maintain a strong, experienced and responsive underwriting team that has a deep knowledge of title insurance, as well as local markets and regulations. His claims team is committed to resolving inquiries in a timely, professional and ethical manner.

Prior to joining Stewart in 2004, Paul was in private practice, in both small and medium sized law firms, where he gained considerable experience in general insurance, residential and commercial conveyancing, commercial property development, leasing and general property practice. He has been a contributor to a number of Australia legal industry publications discussing the benefits of title insurance. Paul regularly presents to lawyers, conveyancers and lenders on a variety of real estate related issues, including title insurance, title claims and real estate fraud. In 2019, he was named a finalist for "Insurance Lawyer of the Year" at the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Counsel Awards.

Paul holds degrees in Law (Hons) and Social Sciences from the University of Canberra and is admitted as a solicitor in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and the High Court of Australia.

Paul can be reached on:

T 02 9081 6213  | 1800 300 440
E [email protected]

Charlotte joined the Stewart team in 2003 and is responsible for managing client relationships, business development and sales strategy for Stewart’s Australian operations.

With more than 15 years of experience within the title insurance industry, she leads a growing team of business development executives that is responsible for developing and maintaining good, personable, professional relationships while identifying opportunities and expanding Stewart Title’s presence in the market. She and her team are known for working with legal professionals to strengthen their practices and to provide the best experience possible on every real estate transaction.

Charlotte studied marketing in college and has completed numerous marketing and business development courses to stay up to date on current trends in the marketplace.

Charlotte can be contacted on:

T 0422 101 508  | 1800 300 440
E [email protected]

Stewart prides itself on its financial strength and the underwriting and claims paying abilities that come with that financial strength. Helen Koon supports this position of excellence in her responsibility for all the day-to-day financial duties for Stewart in Australia. These include financial reporting and statements, tax compliance, regulatory compliance, budget preparation and oversight of cash flow.

Helen has been with Stewart Title since 2004. With more than 15 years of experience in finance, she brings to Stewart a wealth of financial management and compliance experience. This includes 4 years with a CPA firm, where she was responsible for all financial accounting matters, as well as various accountancy positions with financial services organisations.

Helen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Newcastle and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Helen can be contacted on:

T 02 9081 6202  | 1800 300 440
E [email protected]