Meet The Team
With extensive experience in the financial services industry, Claims Hero was founded after witnessing the heartache and devastation caused by natural disasters in our communities. Those affected by these events are often left vulnerable and in need of support during the claims management process. Although we started the company initially to help people with their response to a natural disaster claim, we know all insurance claims can be stressful and challenging. Helping people achieve a better outcome on these claims is our driving purpose.
We are dedicated to providing expert and efficient claims services to businesses and individuals across all insurance categories. Given our extensive experience in the insurance industry, we know the obligations of insurers and the rights of a claimant, which allows us to provide solutions to help customers maximise insurance benefits and minimise costs.
We are passionate about helping people and aim to be a source of support during this trying time. We are on your side and committed to advocating for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.
No matter your circumstances, we welcome you to contact any of us for a free claims consultation.
Luke DugdellFounder and Managing Director
Luke is the Founder and Managing Director of Hero Group Services Pty Ltd, trading as Claims Hero. With over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, Luke has honed his skills in key management roles in risk and compliance at some of Australia's largest financial institutions. This has given him a deep understanding of regulatory and legislative requirements, which coupled with his extensive claims experience has enabled him to consistently deliver outstanding results for clients.
Luke's vision for Claims Hero stemmed from his observation of the power imbalance between claimants and insurers. He firmly believes that everyone should have access to high-quality advocacy services, regardless of their financial position and background. As a result, Claims Hero was born to provide high-quality advocacy services at an affordable price.
Luke holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Alex MahoneyCo-Owner and Executive Director
Alex Mahoney is the Co-Owner and Director of Hero Group Services Pty Ltd, trading as Claims Hero. He has over 15 years of experience in Financial Services, including working at large insurance companies in senior management roles. Having held key positions overseeing end-to-end business operations, Alex has successfully strategised and implemented comprehensive frameworks that ensure seamless and efficient claims processes for clients.
Motivated by a strong passion for championing the rights of individuals, Alex is unwavering in the pursuit of justice for those who have been wronged. Drawing from a deep understanding of regulatory and legislative requirements, coupled with extensive experience in claims management, Alex consistently achieves exceptional outcomes for clients, empowering them to receive the entitlements they deserve.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Law & Commerce from the University of Queensland.
Shay Johnston
Executive Manager, Customer & Regulatory Compliance
Shay is the Executive Manager of Customer and Regulatory Compliance at Claims Hero. He brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, having worked for and with some of Australia’s leading banks and insurers. Beginning his career as a junior claims manager, Shay has since acquired extensive experience in fraud and investigations, product design, policy distribution, customer advocacy, dispute resolution, and risk, compliance, and governance within the insurance and banking sectors.
As a senior executive in the insurance industry, Shay has led risk, compliance, and claims operations teams for major Australian insurance brands, distinguished by his customer-centric approach. His hands-on experience in claims management has fostered a deep understanding of the real-life impact of insurance claims on customers. Shay is committed to achieving excellence in this field. At Claims Hero, he is dedicated to securing fair and equitable outcomes for clients, advocating for insurer accountability, and elevating the standard of claims management industry-wide.
Shay holds a Master of Business Administration from Griffith University.
Christian Harris
Claims & Business Development Executive
Christian is the Claims and Business Development Executive at Claims Hero. With 5 years’ experience in the financial services sector and 10 years’ experience in governance, risk, and compliance roles - Christian has built a reputation for excellence in risk management and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Claims Hero, he served in critical roles at Suncorp Group and PwC, where he implemented data-led strategies to improve front-line processes with a focus on improving customer outcomes, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.
Now with Claims Hero, Christian utilises his expertise to oversee the claims process, ensuring insurers operate efficiently and fairly for our clients.
In addition, he is responsible for identifying new growth avenues, helping to extend the reach of Claims Hero's advocacy services. Driven by a steadfast commitment to justice for customers, his work is deeply aligned with the company's mission to provide quality, affordable claims management services to clients from all walks of life.
Christian holds a Economics & Commerce (Majoring in Finance) from the University of Queensland.
Ben Lingard
Claims Executive
Ben is a Claims Executive at Claims Hero. With several years of experience in the legal industry, specialising in insurance law, Ben has gained invaluable insights into claims management and advocacy.
Grounded in a commitment to excellence, Ben guides individuals through the complexities of insurance claims with a sincere and personalised approach. His expertise in claims management is distinguished by an understanding of the unique aspects of each case.
At Claims Hero, Ben ensures clients receive tailored support, making their journey through the claims process both smooth and successful. As a Claims Executive, Ben acts as an advocate, providing expert guidance to empower clients in their pursuit of rightful compensation.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Business from Queensland University of Technology.
Samantha Lucht
Claims Executive
Samantha is a Claims Executive at Claims Hero. With 17 years of experience in the financial services industry, her extensive background spans various leadership positions in quality assurance and claims management as well as customer relations within major financial institutions. Samantha's professional journey is marked by her track record in leading teams to enhance performance and achieve significant operational outcomes. At Claims Hero, she leverages her skills in coaching, relationship development, and strategic leadership to navigate complex claims processes, ensuring that each client receives fair and equitable treatment.