Vero Earthquake function advanced enough for transition

Media Release

24 September 2014

Vero Earthquake function advanced enough for transition into the business

Vero Insurance responds to the successful management of earthquake claims and closer customer relationships by making a series of executive changes that will capitalise on the work done over the past three years.

Vero Earthquake Programme Executive General Manager, Jimmy Higgins, will move to lead Vero’s Claims operations by the end of the year.

After two and a half years leading Vero’s dedicated earthquake response, Mr Higgins will lead an integrated Claims function which includes responsibility for Vero’s earthquake response.

“This internal shift is a reflection of the great progress we’ve made with our earthquake programme. We’ve committed to resolving almost all claims by the end of 2014 with construction continuing into 2015,” said Vero Chief Executive, Gary Dransfield.

“With Jimmy continuing to lead our earthquake response, we will maintain our focus on resolving all earthquake claims. We have already resolved 76 per cent of claims, paying out $3.7 billion.”

Vero will continue to work closely with customers in the earthquake programme, building trust and confidence in their settlement options.

Vero Insurance has been the lead insurer in some of the largest commercial settlements in New Zealand including Lyttelton Ports Company at $445 million; Housing New Zealand at $320 million and Ministry of Education at $200 million.

Vero was the first insurer to announce rebuild and repair timelines in 2012 which did not change as the programme progressed.

Vero’s early adoption of the personalised Case Management approach to claim settlement has proven to be successful. All our customers will know who their case manager is and will have regular contact with them. We also encourage them to seek independent advice.

Kim Grooby, currently Vero’s General Manager of Claims, will take on an Executive role leading a key Vero business transformation programme.

“Kim will lead the business to deliver improved products and services for our customers through renewed technology platforms and business processes. This demonstrates our investment back into the New Zealand business and our commitment to our customers,” said Mr Dransfield.

“With Kim, Jimmy and the recent addition of Cris Knell as Executive General Manager, Commercial and Distribution, we have a strong platform in a very competitive general insurance market,” said Mr Dransfield.

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