“I like to help people and claims settlement provides great opportunities on a daily basis.”
Those are the words of Murray McChesney,
NZI national technical claims manager for commercial motor vehicles. For McChesney, his professional life is fulfilling as it combines both his “automotive” and “insurance” interests – even though his current role was stumbled on by chance.
“While talking to an internal HR consultant about a vacant position, the consultant mentioned she had a senior management role ideally suited to my automotive skill set that also relied on team leadership abilities,” he explained.
“Within 24 hours I was interviewed and 24 hours later was confirmed in the role.”
McChesney explains that his role is to lead three teams: one that specialises in some of the more complex commercial motor claims, a small team of administrators, and the national commercial motor repair managers.
He adds that he finds the role rewarding as it enables him to help people and get them back on track.
“If I am able to make a difference and help to make the world a better place in some way that’s my ideal and this role really provides that opportunity,” he said. “Regardless of the situation, I always work hard to get the right outcome for the customer in terms of their policy.”
When asked about his stance on digital disruption and robo advice on financial investments and services, McChesney says it is about evolving and remaining relevant in an increasingly digitised world.
“As an industry I believe we’ll remain relevant to our customers in the long term, but we need to adapt and work with new technologies,” he said. “Like it or not, new technology is the new norm and it won’t be going anywhere!”
McChesney is father to five grown daughters, which he says has taught him many things, including resilience.
“Resilience and the capacity to endure and recover quickly from setbacks are important. I’ve learnt this carries well from your role as a parent into your career,” he said. “While my daughters are mostly grown and doing their own things now, they still keep me focused on what’s important in life, and that’s people.”
McChesney emphasises that he doesn’t work for money alone.
“As long as I’ve enough to pay the mortgage and buy a few beers; it’s the challenge and the ability to be there for clients at their time of need that motivates me,” he claimed.
Related stories:
Five minutes with… Delta managing director Ian Pollard
Five minutes with Jacqui Thompson...AA Insurance head of finance, risk and compliance
.jpg)
