Zurich snatches Suncorp claims specialist

Zurich Financial Services Australia has appointed a new head of claims excellence for Australia and New Zealand from Suncorp.

Currently serving as head of complex natural hazard home claims at Suncorp, Morris Garsin will join in August to drive Zurich's claims strategy and transformation, including the continued investment and implementation of technology to improve customer claims engagement and outcomes.

He brings over two decades of experience in financial services across life and general insurances.

Aside from Suncorp, Garsin brings relevant expertise from ANZ, Greenstone Financial Services, and HCF Australia.

Speaking, Zurich chief claims officer Matt Paterson said: "I am delighted to welcome Morris to the claims team and look forward to the valuable insights and leadership he will bring."

"Claims is our moment to deliver on the promise we make to our customers. As head of claims excellence, Morris will be responsible for ensuring we uphold and continually improve Zurich's customer-centric claims approach, which centres on care and empathy."

Garsin will also play a pivotal role in fostering artificial intelligence components to complement its operations, "which we are already seeing provide significant benefits across claims management timeframes, vulnerable customer identification and data processing."

Garsin will be based in Sydney for his new role.