Jake Carter named Young Insurance Professional of the Year

As a dedicated professional making notable contributions to the insurance landscape in New Zealand, Carter, continues to grow his firm and influence within the industry, his experiences offer valuable insights for both peers and newcomers alike.

Carter, who won the 2024 Young Insurance Professional of the Year Award in New Zealand is known for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to helping others during their most challenging times.

He also has ambitious goals for the loss adjusting business he co-founded, Carter Briggs Hurle. 

Falling into forensics

Growing up, he hoped to one day become a fighter pilot. A short-lived dream, he eventually realised he “didn’t have the eyesight for it”.

Out of the clouds, Jake's journey began at Macquarie University, where he balanced full-time work as an accountant with his studies from 2009 to 2013. 

Upon earning his Bachelor of Commerce, he craved a more dynamic role and made a bold leap into forensic accounting with Cunningham Lindsey at just 22. 

Initially unfamiliar with the field of forensic accounting, Carter, was guided by his curiosity and commitment as he learned the ins and outs of the field on the job.

“In forensic accounting, you never get the same claim twice,” he says to explain the thrill that drew him away from traditional accounting.

Carter’s career has taken him around the world, most notably in Australia and New Zealand, where he led Sedgwick’s forensic accounting team before returning to Queensland as Director of Forensic Accounting. 

"I’ve never said no to an opportunity,” he says. “Every time an employer has offered me a chance to travel, I’ve taken it. This approach has allowed me to get into leadership roles earlier than expected.”

Wanting to create something of his own, in late 2023, Jake co-founded Carter Briggs Hurle, a firm specialising in loss adjusting and forensic accounting, marking a significant milestone in his career.

"I didn't want to look back and think 'should have, could have, would have.' My goal was to one day lead Sedgwick, but I chose to do it on my own. The work is still the same, the claims are still the same, but it's different when it's your own company."

Leading in crisis

When faced with the unprecedented challenges of the Auckland Floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, Jake Carter and his team rose to the occasion. 

He scaled his team from 7 to 40 members to meet the demand, all while ensuring his staff remained supported and engaged.

"2023 incredibly demanding. Balancing rapid team growth with the surge in claims required constant vigilance. We had to anticipate the scale of the disaster, allocate resources effectively, and ensure our team's wellbeing. It was a delicate balance of intense work and necessary downtime."

“I had to keep constant eyes both on files, and especially on people to make sure they weren’t burning out,” he recalls.

Jake’s passion for the insurance industry is palpable. He thrives on helping people navigate their toughest moments, offering empathy and understanding while guiding clients through challenging times. 

"We recently had a client who experienced a significant fire,” he shares. “While the investigation process can take time, we were able to work with the insurer to provide immediate financial relief. This ensured the client didn't have to worry about their immediate financial needs."

A commitment to community

Beyond his impressive professional achievements, Jake is deeply committed to giving back. 

He serves on the New Zealand YIPs (Young Insurance Professionals) committee, authors articles on industry topics, and speaks at key events. He believes that enhancing communication within the industry is crucial, stating “99% of the problems we encounter are due to communication failures.”

Winning the Young Insurance Professional of the Year award is a testament to Carter’s hard work and dedication. “It’s a big honour, and it means a lot, especially considering the calibre of the other nominees,” he says.

The road ahead

Looking to the future, Carter aims to position his firm as a leader in forensic accounting while prioritising customer and employee satisfaction. “I want to take over the world,” he jokes, but with clear determination behind it.

To achieve this, he plans to significantly grow the team to 30 members within the next five years. While the insurance industry is cyclical, Carter is confident in his ability to navigate market fluctuations and capitalise on opportunities.

"Our goal is to establish Carter Briggs Hurle as a major force in the industry,” he says. “With a larger team, we’ll be ready to ride the wave. The work remains the same, but the risk and reward are now ours to manage."

For young professionals aspiring to make their mark in insurance, Carter offers sage advice: “keep an open mind to opportunities. Don’t dismiss anything.”

"I've moved around a lot, and that's helped me progress." 

He also emphasises the importance of having a good mentor. "Find a good mentor, someone internal or external, who can guide you."

“Don't get too rigid with a five-year or ten-year plan” Carter suggests.

"I just knew I wanted to be a CEO. Focus on doing your job to the best of your ability and stand out from the crowd.” 

"Be the first in and the last out, lead by example, and put your team first," Carter adds.