We are excited to introduce Zurich’s Strategic Client Partnership Manager for Group Insurance, Ross Hickman who looks after our key strategic partnerships.
Congratulations on your new role as Strategic Client Partnership Manager. What has been the most exciting part of your role so far?
Having worked at my previous employer for over a decade, ‘starting again’ has been an exhilarating experience – new colleagues, new clients and new systems. I like the diversity of the new role which focusses not only on managing existing relationships but also building new ones with prospective clients as we seek to grow our Group business. Really understanding the breadth of our service proposition so that I can promote it to clients has been a challenging but enjoyable process.
How did your career path steer you into the insurance industry?
Having completed a Master’s in Modern History, I was teaching A-Level students (16–18 year olds) in England before moving to Australia in 2004. My initial visa precluded me from teaching within the first 2 years so I had to find an alternative occupation as an ‘interim’ measure. I started as a claims case manager in workers comp and 18 years later am still working away in insurance. Maybe I’ll teach again in semi-retirement!!
What do you enjoy the most about working at Zurich?
The Group business is an exciting place to be right now as we refine our strategy and focus to grow the business in a significant way. There is a real energy and determination to achieve our ambitions and the broader business is providing unprecedented support so that we can have a truly market-leading proposition. Bringing our global knowledge and capability into the Australian market is an exciting challenge for the team.
More broadly, working for an employer that is so driven by its sustainability commitments on a global scale makes me proud to work for Zurich.
What do you see as the biggest growth opportunities and challenges for group insurance in the next 12 months?
The continued consolidation of the Group insurance market presents both challenges and opportunities for insurers - merger and acquisition will benefit some and disadvantage others as the market shrinks in terms of the volume of superfunds. This competitive landscape, coupled with the ongoing pace of regulatory reform, will inevitably sharpen focus on consumer best interests, as well as the role and value of life insurance and optimal ways to educate and engage.
Why do you think Zurich has been fairing so well during these uncertain times?
In times of uncertainty consumers tend to gravitate towards trusted brands and Zurich is a global brand with a rich history of protecting people and their assets. The evolution of this historic brand into a business seeking to be a world leader in terms of its corporate responsibility and citizenship only reinforces its relevance in these challenging times.
How do you keep motivated during these changing conditions of this pandemic?
I built a home gym during the pandemic so training every day keeps me motivated and positive in the face of new work challenges and a slightly chaotic family life that involves raising 4 young kids and a puppy!! Like many working parents, my sanity was tested during home schooling and the gym was my solace.
Do you have a mentor or someone who inspires you?
I have the usual array of ‘heroes’ across sport, politics and music but the people who inspire me most are my family. My parents for raising 3 boys and running a successful family business for 35 years and my wife for maintaining a sense of calm and good humour amidst the chaos of running a household of 6 (7 if you include the dog!!)