Meet Michael Carswell
For Michael, good insurance advice starts with people – understanding their business, earning trust over time and helping them move forward with confidence.
After almost 30 years in commercial insurance with some of New Zealand’s largest insurance organisations, Michael Carswell wasn’t simply looking for another role.
He was looking for the right fit.
For someone who has spent a career helping businesses navigate risk, that meant finding an organisation whose values aligned with his own.
Having built a career across underwriting, broking, business development and executive leadership, Michael has seen the insurance industry from every angle. His experience includes senior roles with NZI, QBE and Aon, leading large teams, managing major client portfolios and working alongside business owners, executives and boards throughout New Zealand.
Throughout his varied insurance career, Michael says there has been one constant.
“The best part of this industry has always been helping people and businesses through some of their greatest challenges,” Michael says.
“It’s ultimately about relationships, trust and being there when your clients need you most.”
Those values were a significant factor in his decision to join Abbott Insurance Brokers as Broker and Business Development Executive in its Christchurch commercial team.
Commercial insurance advice built on relationships
After many years working with large corporate organisations, Michael says this career move was driven less by job title and more by culture.
“Abbott has a strong reputation in the market, strong values and a culture of doing the right thing for clients. That really appealed to me.”
He also spent time getting to know Abbott before making his decision, meeting with Chief Executive Mark Reid and learning more about its approach to client relationships and long-term growth.
“I could see an opportunity to work in a business where people, relationships and client outcomes genuinely come first.”
A few weeks into the role, Michael says those first impressions have been reinforced as he has met clients, reconnected with industry contacts, got to know colleagues across the business and immersed himself in the local business community.
Understanding your business before talking insurance
When asked about his approach to new client relationships, Michael doesn’t hesitate. Curiosity comes first.
He says the best conversations begin with understanding the client.
“I like to spend time understanding where a business is heading before we even start talking about insurance. That means learning how the business operates, what success looks like and what risks they are comfortable retaining versus transferring.”
Only then, he says, can meaningful insurance advice follow.
His experience working on both the underwriting and broking sides of the industry has also taught him that good outcomes are rarely built around an annual renewal discussion alone.
Instead, they come from ongoing communication, practical advice and understanding how a client’s needs evolve over time.
“Clients need to feel they have someone in their corner who genuinely understands their business. It’s about checking in, providing relevant insights, supporting them through claims and delivering on what you say you’ll do.”
Nearly 30 years helping New Zealand businesses manage risk
Over the course of his career, Michael has led teams of up to 300 people, managed major product portfolios, worked on technology and acquisition projects and been responsible for some of New Zealand’s largest corporate accounts.
While that breadth of experience provides valuable perspective, Michael believes the fundamentals of great client service are remarkably consistent – trust, preparation, communication and follow-through.
“You need to prepare. When you understand your client, follow a process and invest in the relationship, you’re giving yourself the best opportunity to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.”
Helping Canterbury businesses manage risk with confidence
For born-and-bred Aucklander Michael, settling into life in a new city with his wife and young family – and navigating frosty Christchurch mornings – may take some getting used to. His professional focus, however, is clear: building relationships, earning trust and helping businesses better understand and manage their risks.
“Businesses have never faced a more complex operating environment and good advice has never been more valuable. If we can help businesses become more resilient, support their growth and make risk less of a barrier to their success, then we’ve done our job well.”
Looking ahead, Michael is focused on building new client relationships, supporting the wider team and contributing to the collaborative culture that first attracted him to the business.
Contact Michael
If you’re looking for an experienced commercial insurance broker who takes the time to understand your business before recommending solutions, Michael would welcome the conversation.
Michael Carswell
021 220 9998
