Cunningham Lindsey was named the Professional Services Firm of the Year at the annual New Zealand Insurance Industry Awards. Winners were announced at the Insurance Awards gala dinner on Thursday, November 16, acknowledging the industry’s achievements and celebrating success. Cunningham Lindsey faced stiff competition from four other finalists in the category.
This accomplishment demonstrates the outstanding work achieved in 2016/2017 by Cunningham Lindsey New Zealand. A true testament to the strong commitment to service excellence, particularly in a year with a number of sizable insured events: The Kaikoura Earthquake, Edgecumbe flood and the Tasman Tempest.
Cunningham Lindsey was recognized for the innovative way they address industry issues, designing bespoke programs to meet clients’ needs following a natural disaster. “‘Helping New Zealanders every day’ is our mantra and the judging panel cited our robust quality review process as a means to achieve this goal,” said Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Cowan. “The forward-thinking mindset of the business was acknowledged, particularly in relation to cyber claims where Cunningham Lindsey is leading the industry response.”
The New Zealand MCL Global team continues to expand, recently adding Chartered Loss Adjuster, Chris Hayes, Chartered Loss Adjuster/Surveyor, Alisdair McCulloch and Cyber & Liability Adjuster, Frankie Noble.
Chris Hayes, ACII ACILA (UK), joined Cunningham Lindsey in 2011 to work on Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquake claims before becoming a part of our MCL Global team in Auckland in 2017. Chris in commercial underwriting for eight years before migrating to loss adjusting in 1991. Over the years he has handled large and complex losses across the traditional classes of business that have included property, business interruption, contractors’ all risks, liability and professional indemnity claims.
Alisdair McCulloch, ACII ACILA (UK), began his career in insurance as a commercial underwriter before becoming a property adjuster in the UK in 1990. He was quickly promoted to branch and regional management roles; and spent almost 10 years as a marine surveyor and manager of a marine team in the North of England. Alisdair joined Cunningham Lindsey New Zealand in 2013, handling major commercial claims arising from the Canterbury earthquakes and other catastrophes.
Frankie Noble, LLB, joined the MCL Global Auckland team in early 2017 as part of our protégé programme, after completing a Bachelor of Laws. Frankie has just been admitted to the bar as a Barrister & Solicitor. Working closely with Head of MCL Global, Steve Kay, on cyber and liability claims and Stuart Main on liability claims, Frankie has developed a comprehensive understanding of cyber and liability claims and has responded to multiple cyber breaches and liability claims undertaking cause enquiries, incident response and subrogation.
The New Zealand FAS Global team is pleased to announce two new Financial Adjusters – Jillian Oughton and Rebecca Soffe.
Jillian Oughton, C.A., BCom, GradDipComm, rejoined FAS Global in 2017 having previously worked for Cunningham Lindsey following the Canterbury earthquakes. Jillian is experienced in commercial accounting and in public practice accounting, specifically business advisory services. Within these roles, Jillian gained valuable exposure to a large variety of industries and brings this experience into her role within FAS Global. Jillian specialises in business interruption, loss of rents, complex business interruption and rural interruption claims.
Rebecca Soffe, BMS, joined FAS Global in 2017 as part of our protégé programme, after completing a Bachelor of Business Management, majoring in Accounting and Finance. Rebecca has gained valuable industry experience by working closely with the FAS Global team and Head of FAS Global NZ, Jake Carter. Rebecca handles financial lines claims including business interruption, loss of rent and complex stock losses.
Jake Carter has been appointed Head of FAS Global, New Zealand. Jake previously led a team of financial lines adjusters at our Brisbane office. He has now joined our Auckland Head Office and is excited to be leading a team of ten FAS Global adjusters across New Zealand.
Jake is a Chartered Accountant specialising in many aspects of commercial insurance including business interruption, loss of profits, commercial disputes, cyber, contingency, stock loss and fidelity. He has handled claims arising from a multitude of industries such as hospitality, manufacturing, health, food, agricultural and professional services.
Jake has experience responding to various catastrophes in Australia and the UK and provides specialist advice on all matters of insurance and litigation support services.
