Matt Endycott learned the hard way about the value of travel insurance. Breaking your spine while overseas will do that. Karryon chats to him about what he hopes to achieve in his new role. And why he’s up at 4.45 every morning.
Matt’s career has spanned airlines, tour operators and financial services. And now he has just joined Allianz Partners Australia as its new Head of Travel.
Allianz’s Chief Sales Officer Ian Mitchell welcomed him to the company. He says that Matt’s “diverse experience across travel and financial services will bring business continuity, extensive market knowledge, and a strong track record of collaboration and implementation to the role”.
Karryon caught up with Matt to talk about the importance of customer-centricity, his broken back and his plans for Allianz.
What drew you to this position?
My whole career has been built on helping people arrange the perfect holiday and to have travel experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. What appealed to me most about Allianz Partners Australia is its ongoing commitment to customer centricity, relentless pursuit of innovation, and dedication to delivering exceptional value for the benefit of customers.
I’ve learned firsthand the importance of having travel insurance in the last 12 months after breaking my spine during a rugby match in Canada. Thankfully, I was covered and have made a full recovery since, but I practice what I preach!
What do you hope to achieve as Head of Travel?
By combining my travel and financial services background, I hope to find new ways to deliver simplicity for our customers and enhance their overall experience with Allianz Travel. It’s all about working collaboratively and being agile and open to fresh ideas.
What are you most looking forward to doing in your new role?
Travel insurance as a whole has entered a transformation period. The pandemic dramatically altered the travel landscape, leading to new challenges and risks for travellers and as a result, travel insurance has become more essential than ever before in providing financial protection and reassurance to travellers.
I’m looking forward to exploring ways we can address a changing travel landscape and meet evolving customer needs through new and innovative solutions, especially at a time now when the industry is ever-evolving.
What’s a typical day for you?
My alarm goes off at 4.45am each morning and I’m into CrossFit by 5:30am. I’m based in Bondi, NSW, and meet up with my mates for a sunrise coffee and a swim, before heading home to start work if I’m remote that day. There are only so many hours in a day so I try to make the most of it.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
I have recently taken up surfing, well at least I’m trying to – it’s becoming a real passion of mine! I also play rugby in my spare time which sees me training two times a week, with game day on Saturdays.
You can learn about the three topics defining the travel insurance sector in 2023 by clicking here.
