Sedgwick appoints head of fraud technology and intelligence in the UK

Sedgwick has appointed Laura Horrocks as head of fraud technology and intelligence for its UK-based investigation services division.

In this role, Horrocks will oversee the development of the claims management company’s newly integrated counter-fraud solution from Shift Technology, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve accuracy in pinpointing insurance fraud early.

Sedgwick is the first claims management company to partner with Shift Technology and adopt its fraud detection solution. Sedgwick said the technology has already proved to be a good investment, helping the company to manage a surge in investigations.

The appointment of Horrocks and the recent technology integration are among the latest of Sedgwick’s counter-fraud investment and growth strategies and initiatives.

In 2021, the company named a new UK fraud investigations leadership team and became an affiliate member of the Insurance Fraud Bureau.

These investments have helped Sedgwick build on its success over the past several years and save clients more than £100 million in fraud costs across home, commercial, motor and liability claims.

A Sedgwick colleague since 2015, Horrocks brings to her new role significant experience in counter-fraud. She previously worked as a fraud assessment and intelligence manager, integrating colleagues from across three investigation services divisions into one fraud assessment and intelligence team.

Horrocks has also served as manager of Sedgwick’s road traffic accident insurer investigations team.

Ian Carman, director of investigation services at Sedgwick, commented: “Our counter-fraud strategy revolves around three key pillars: people, technology and intelligence. Our passion for protecting our clients and their honest customers against the impact of fraud means that our strategy goes many steps beyond simply purchasing the latest counter-fraud technology.”

“Laura and her team, working alongside our technology and industry partners, will ensure that our detection methods never stop evolving, our technology is continually optimised, and we’re able to shine light on emerging trends and threats in near-real time.”

Horrocks said: “It’s an honour to be appointed to this new role. Having worked at Sedgwick for a number of years, I know how innovative the business is in introducing solutions to tackle fraud. I look forward to using Shift Technology across the business to continue to evolve detection and save clients’ money in fraud costs across a variety of claims.”

Mark Dugdale