Profile
Michelle Le Long is the customer-centric chief operating officer of PD Insurance New Zealand, helping shape the future of pet insurance through strategic leadership and genuine empathy for customers, pets and communities. She is known for bringing clarity, care and purpose to how insurance is designed, delivered and experienced.
Since joining PD, Le Long has focused on improving outcomes for Kiwi pet parents while building a sustainable, innovative pet insurance specialist. Drawing on senior leadership experience across pet, travel and general insurance, she has championed initiatives that reduce barriers to care, including affordable cover from around $1 a day and streamlined digital claims with reimbursement in as little as two days.
Under her leadership, PD Insurance has achieved double-digit customer growth and strong satisfaction scores, reflecting her belief that insurance should provide confidence and peace of mind, not paperwork.
Beyond PD, Le Long is a recognised industry leader. She is a former chair of the Travel Insurance Board for the Insurance Council of New Zealand, a certified member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and an active mentor with ANZIIF, supporting ethical leadership and capability development across Australasia. A devoted pet parent to her British bulldog, Buster, she leads with both head and heart, always putting pets and people first.
5/7 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland 0740
0800 738 467
Michelle.LeLong@pacificins.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/michellelelong
pdinsurance.co.nz
Michelle Le Long
Chief Operating Officer
PD Insurance
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2006–2008
2008–2015
2015–2017
2017–2020
Present
General Manager – Australia at Mindpearl
2006–2008
Executive General Manager, Travel Insurance Division at IAG
2008–2015
General Manager, Sales and Service at Tower Insurance
2015–2017
Executive Director at Youi Insurance
2017–2020
Chief Operating Officer at PD Insurance since 2020
Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.