After more than 50 years working across the insurance sector, NTI’s national marine technical underwriter, Michael Sullivan, is retiring.
The long-serving marine insurance expert concludes a career spanning underwriting, claims management, and senior leadership roles across multiple Australian states.
Sullivan joined NTI in 2017 as National Manager, Marine Claims, during the company’s marine acquisition, helping to establish the systems and processes needed to manage marine claims within the business.
His appointment came after decades of experience across the marine insurance sector.
A career built across Australia’s marine insurance sector
Sullivan’s career began in the early 1970s in a junior underwriting role where he learned the fundamentals of the insurance industry.
By 1980, he had moved into a marine underwriter role in Perth, where he specialised in insurance for fishing fleets across Western Australia.
“I travelled the length and breadth of WA, dealing with marine insurance and fishing fleets across the state.”
“Marine insurance has always been the area that interested me the most. The complexity and variety within the sector kept me engaged throughout my career.”
Over the following decades, Sullivan worked across Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, developing expertise in both underwriting and claims management.
He later spent nine years as the New South Wales State Manager for marine insurance.
In 2004, Sullivan relocated to Melbourne to help establish a new marine insurance business for CGU following a major industry restructure.
Leadership and mentoring at NTI
After building the CGU marine business, Sullivan moved into broader claims management roles before joining NTI in 2017.
His experience across underwriting, claims and management helped shape the company’s marine claims capability during a period of growth.
NTI Head of Marine Portfolio Dan Morrison said Sullivan’s experience had been invaluable to the organisation.
“Mike brings an enormous amount of experience to the business and has played an important role in helping develop both our marine portfolio and our people.”
“He has been particularly valuable in mentoring newer underwriters and helping guide the team as the market continues to evolve.”
Morrison said Sullivan is widely respected across the insurance sector.
“He is highly trusted in the way he operates and in the knowledge he brings, not only to NTI’s marine team but to the broader marine insurance industry.”
Industry experience across major events
Throughout his career, Sullivan saw significant changes across the insurance industry, particularly in the availability of information and risk data.
“Thirty years ago, we didn’t have the same level of knowledge or insight about customers or their businesses.”
“Now we can understand much more about what our customers do and the goods they’re shipping, which helps us assess risk more effectively.”
One of Sullivan’s most memorable experiences came following Cyclone Ului in 2010, when severe damage occurred to boats and marina infrastructure along the Queensland coast.
He travelled to the affected region to assist businesses and communities recovering from the disaster.
“You’re there to do your job, but you also see first-hand the impact events like that have on people and their livelihoods.”
“Helping businesses get back on their feet was very important.”
Looking ahead to retirement
As he prepares to step away from the industry, Sullivan said he is looking forward to spending more time with family and travelling.
“There are a few family milestones coming up and some travel planned over the next couple of years.”
“I’m looking forward to having the time and space to focus on those things.”
NTI acknowledged Sullivan’s long-standing contribution to the company and the broader marine insurance sector, thanking him for his service and wishing him well in retirement.