IFSDG: How long
have you worked at Allianz Insurance?
David Fisher: I joined Cornhill as a 17
year old straight from school. Allianz acquired Cornhill 25 years
ago and, this year, I will celebrate 30 years with the company.
IFSDG: How many
people work at Allianz Insurance?
David Fisher: There are over 4,000
staff employed by Allianz in the UK. In Scotland, the Glasgow
office looks after the whole region and currently we have 47 people
working from this office.
IFSDG: What is
your vision for Allianz Insurance in Glasgow?
David Fisher: Our vision is to be the
outstanding competitor in our market by delivering the products and
services our clients recommend.
IFSDG: What's a
typical day for you?
David Fisher: I am responsible for our
existing business team who handle all business held by Allianz from
the moment we secure it, including successful renewal of the case.
In addition I have responsibilities for the efficient operation of
the office and region and a specific responsibility for the
relationship with one of our largest brokers. This means every day
is different! It ranges from handling day-to-day queries on
anything from individual cases to staff issues, as well as client
meetings and reporting to our centre on matters of compliance.
IFSDG: How many
emails do you receive on an average day?
David Fisher: 30-40
IFSDG: Why did
Allianz Insurance choose to locate in the IFSD in
Glasgow?
David Fisher: Cornhill
has had an office in the Glasgow city centre for many years. We
relocated from our previous office in Bothwell Street to our
current location on St Vincent Street as the old building was being
demolished and rebuilt. When we were looking for new premises the
brief was a blue chip site in the heart of the city and in the
centre of our market place - IFSD fitted that brief.
IFSDG: Three
good things about working in Glasgow?
David Fisher: I would
love to say the weather but..... the people (best in the world),
the atmosphere ( what a buzz) and the place itself (pure dead
brilliant)
IFSDG: What is
your biggest business achievement to date?
David Fisher: From a modest start we have
quadrupled in size over the last 10 years. It has meant a lot of
hard work by everyone but very satisfying... and we want to
continue to grow!
IFSDG: What is
the best investment you ever made?
David Fisher: I had the chance to
invest in a small electronics firm which provided microchips
eventually for the Xbox - share price grew tenfold! Downside?
Decided to hold onto the shares and just about got my money back
when I eventually sold! Advice? Don't come to me for investment
advice!
IFSDG: Which
business person or company do you most admire and why?
David Fisher: Py Gerbeau - how he turned
around the Millenium Dome was nothing short of miraculous.
IFSDG: What did
you want to be when you were a child?
David Fisher: Like most west of Scotland
boys, a footballer or a cowboy like john Wayne. Next best thing was
entering the insurance world!
IFSDG: What do
you do to relax away from the office?
David Fisher: Too old to play but
still enjoy watching football. Currently employed as dad's taxi for
my teenage daughter.
IFSDG: Blackberry or
I-Phone?
David Fisher: Neither (I do have an ipod
though - does that count?)
IFSDG: Suit or no
suit?
David Fisher: Definitely suit at work.
Definitely jeans and T-shirt away from work.
IFSDG: Football or
rugby?
David Fisher: No brainer - football, the
beautiful game.
IFSDG: Wine or
beer?
David Fisher: I am most definitely a beer
man although I am partial to the odd glass of red.
IFSDG: Sunshine or
snow?
David Fisher: Sunshine
IFSDG: and
finally, what three words to sum you up
David Fisher: Honest, hard-working and
happy