Interviewed by Rebecca Davis

We’re excited to welcome our new marketing and communications mentor, Scott Hickey, into the fold at AA Munro this month.

He’s got a diverse communications background and a wide range of skills, but is new to the world of insurance. I sat down with Scott to talk about his experience so far, and see what he’s got up his sleeve for us.

 

INTERVIEWER

What path got you here today?

HICKEY

I have been working in the marketing communications industry ever since I finished university. That was not yesterday! I have spent most of my career in the ad agency business which I enjoyed because you have the opportunity to work with many different companies in lots of different industries. You learn a ton and get great insight into how companies run, what makes them tick and the people who are behind them. It’s really interesting.

INTERVIEWER

How has your communications network changed over time?

HICKEY

One of the great things about working in the Maritimes is the size of the region. It’s very easy to make connections across a broad group of communications professionals in the same or different industry; but also across business in general. I have found that in my career I have worked across all levels of a company and I have made connections with front-line staff, junior staff to executives. Sometimes with this work you are reaching across an entire company and engaging people from all functions.

INTERVIEWER

What are you most interested in learning about insurance?

HICKEY

That is a good question! I know marketing and keep up-to-date on the changes that are impacting the industry such as new media or social platforms, different methods to communicate with your audience or ways to measure a campaign. Insurance is new to me and I am excited to dig in figure out as much as I can.

INTERVIEWER

What is your favourite facet of communications and marketing?

HICKEY

I really enjoy branding. It’s a passion of mine and I have worked with companies to develop their brand, enhance it or re-develop it all together. It’s like a puzzle and figuring out many different aspects of the company and what it stands for. What is the reason for its existence? How is it different from its competitors? What makes it stand out and why, as a customer, should I support it? I like digging into projects like this and discovering a company’s “reason for being.”

INTERVIEWER

With your fresh perspective, what connections to other industries do you see at AA Munro?

HICKEY

I see service as a big one. We are in the service business and working to win our customers’ trust and loyalty each and every day. If you are not taking care of your customer they will find someone else who will. There is also digital transformation. This is another big one and something that Covid has sped up for many companies. I see it as the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business that results in fundamental changes to how businesses operate and provide value to the customer is delivered. As one example, think about what buying groceries online has meant to the grocery business. It’s changed that industry and many companies are working on their own transformations.

INTERVIEWER

How has your transition to AA Munro been so far?

HICKEY

It has been terrific. Everyone I have encountered has been super helpful, friendly and welcoming. There is a lot for me to learn and I have had no shortage of co-workers helping me, pointing me in the right direction and being patient. It’s been very encouraging.

INTERVIEWER

Enough about insurance! What do you like to do outside of work?

HICKEY

I have three teenagers and most of my free time is spent shuttling them from the hockey rink, gymnastics to the soccer field and part-time jobs. Never a dull moment! When I do have some time I enjoy skiing and golfing (badly), and also traveling to somewhere warm and sunny. I also like to hike and enjoy being outside in nature and close to the water.