MARINE CLAIMS EXCELLENCE

What job did you have before coming to NTI?
Executive Manager Corporate and Risk Managed Underwriting Queensland at Suncorp, additionally I was also the Marine Practice Manager at Suncorp.

What big things do you see happening in the Marine industry over the next five years? 

New exposures such as Cyber, along with utilisation of the Northwest Passage and China’s ‘one belt one road’ development will change traditional trade routes. Capital providers will become more demanding of exposure management, particularly as environmental impacts intensify.

What was your dream job as a kid?
To become a snow ski instructor!

Is there a sport you play or a team you follow?
I surf, which is something I’ve done since growing up in Cronulla on Sydney’s southern beaches. I’ve also been a Cronulla Sharks supporter all my life. I also follow the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.

Have you travelled anywhere exciting?
I’ve traveled a lot. A favourtite of mine was when I went to France and skied at Chamonix and Val d’Isere, a mix of history against a modern mega ski resort and steep snow covered mountains.

What attracted you to your current position?
The claims environment is an area of our business that provides me with satisfaction from seeing that customers in need are helped by people that care about them. It also provides an opportunity to explore the technical aspects of underwriting and claims management.

What advice would you give your teenage self?
If you are looking to get into the insurance industry then understand your strengths and interests – at least start your career in marine insurance because it is a worldwide experience and it provides a range of losses that would allow an understanding of any losses from other classes of insurance.

What is the highlight of your role?
Managing large losses in a way that reassures the insured and then works quickly to bring their world back to normality gives me the most satisfaction.

What would we always find in your fridge?
A beer, of course.

How many pets and/or children do you have?
I have 2 daughters, both at university but I’m still kept busy feeding 25 fish and the dog.

What attracted you to your current position?
In my time as a Marine Underwriter I built great friendships and relationships with brokers throughout the market, my current role allows me to influence change and provide a better customer experience with a vastly broader reach.

What claim or activity have you undertaken at work that you are most proud of?
The Marine Case for Change Project – Developing improvements to our offerings both externally for our broker partners and customers, as well as internally empowering our Staff.

What big things do you see happening in the Marine industry over the next five years?
We will continue to the see rapid technological development with automation throughout the entire logistics industry, be it fully autonomous cargo ships or further automation through Blockchain technologies. Risk accumulations will also greatly grow, as vessel sizes increase and cargo handling at ports becomes more efficient.

What was your dream job as a kid?
My dream job was Architecture or something in Film Production.

Is there a sport you play or a team you follow?
While my playing days are over, I’m still a keen Rugby follower of the Woodies, Waratahs and Wallabies.
I’m also decent on the tennis court.

What does your typical day at work look like?
Corresponding with our partners and stakeholders, attending internal meetings, pre-directions hearings, mediations and conferences. I also spend much of my day developing strategy on Recovery Actions, analysing costs and researching Case Law to further assist legal partners and agents.

What training & experience did you bring to this role?
I have a Bachelor of Economics and am currently in my third year of Law with a Marine and International Business Specialty. I am also currently studying for the ANZIIF Diploma in General Insurance. I have 28 years of insurance experience in Canada, the US and Australia, with GI, ISR, Marine, and Workers Comp. All of this experience gives me the confidence, methodologies, contacts and skills to continue learning and improving.

Have you travelled anywhere?
Russia – The trans-Siberian railway journey from Vladivostok on the Pacific to St. Petersburg was exciting, as I meet lots of new people from all different cultures on the trip.

If you had any superpower, what would it be?
The inability to not have to sleep.

What does your typical day at work look like?
My role includes product analysis and reporting, risk appetite, underwriting guidelines and direction, technical referrals, placement and management of facultative reinsurance, assisting Actuarial on pricing strategy… just to name a few things!

What training or experience did you have before taking up this role?
I have added to 39 years of marine experience in Broking and Underwriting by undertaking ANZIIF marine stream studies to associate level followed by the Fellowship and six years broking marine risks in the London Market (Lloyd’s & Companies). I have a keen interest in trade, transport, commodities, geography and world affairs in addition to Insurance and always aim to build my technical knowledge and capability.

What was your dream job as a kid?
A Lucerne Hay farmer (growing animal fodder). When people asked me what I did, I always thought it would be great to say… “I sit on the veranda and watch the grass grow.”

Is there a sport you play or a team you follow?
Over 45s soccer

What big things do you see happening in the Marine industry over the next five years?
Technology will transform the industry in very unique ways, bringing different challenges and new opportunities.

What was your dream job as a kid?
I wanted to be the captain of a crew ship. Perhaps watched too much The Love Boat as a kid.

Do you play or follow any sport?
Big fan of Collingwood in the AFL.

What claim or activity have you undertaken at work that you are most proud of?
Working directly with a particular client to reduce their loss ration by facilitating meetings between the client and the carrier’s to seek resolutions.

What would we always find in your fridge?
Sauvignon Blanc.

What is your favourite movie?
Casino with Robert de Niro and Joe Pesci.