Michael Brown (pictured), who has been with WTW since 2006, is about to embark on a new chapter in his career after being at the helm of the broking giant’s New Zealand operations. Here the industry stalwart talks about his upcoming role and what he’s learned from his current position.
“It’s been a real pleasure leading the team over the last few years as they have done a brilliant job of navigating the challenges within the New Zealand market,” Brown told Insurance Business. “Our business is now in an extremely strong position and delivering excellent results, so it’s a good time to hand over the reins to Jill Comley-Forbes.”
As previously reported, Jill Comley-Forbes is returning to WTW and will succeed Brown as New Zealand head in January 2024 while the latter focusses on client-facing work as part of a newly created function. Comley-Forbes was with WTW in the early 2000s.
Brown said: “I had never intended to do this [NZ head] role in the long term, and I will remain a director of WTW New Zealand, but I’m excited about being able to spend more time with clients and build client strategies both in NZ and regionally.
“It will also be great to work closely with Jill as the WTW NZ business continues its growth trajectory. WTW has some incredible resources for our clients; being able to help build those propositions, have wide-ranging conversations with our clients, and help them be more successful is something that I really enjoy doing.”
The WTW veteran added that regional leader Simon Weaver has been “so supportive” about the imminent change.
Read more: “I’ve never contemplated leaving insurance”
As for his learnings, Brown cited staff members and their career progression.
“We have an incredible team at WTW, and ensuring that we challenge them and give them pathways to develop is something that I have seen them really respond to, particularly in such a competitive environment,” he said.
“In my view, growing and developing your people is the cornerstone of a successful business, and that is something that became even more clear to me over the last few years. Additionally, WTW has some powerful client propositions, and helping the team clearly articulate them is vital.”
According to Brown, he is keen to help the “outstanding talent” at WTW continue their development while carrying out his new client-facing leadership remit.
When asked what advice he has for Comley-Forbes, Brown said: “I think one of the key focus areas for anyone in a leadership position is ensuring that you spend enough time working on the business, as you can get pulled in many directions.
“It’s important to not lose focus on your key objectives – be very clear about what they are and ensure that you dedicate enough time to them. As a highly experienced leader, I’m sure Jill will do this as well as focus on contributing to the WTW team culture. I know all our NZ colleagues are looking forward to welcoming her in January next year.”
In a previous interview with Insurance Business, Brown shared that he’s never contemplated leaving the industry.
This time around, he said: “There are some fantastic people in this industry, and it’s a real pleasure working with people you like and trust. The insurance industry is one of the best-kept secrets; I think we need to take every opportunity to promote it as an extraordinary career so we continue to attract great talent and deliver brilliant outcomes for our clients and the NZ public.”
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