We are delighted to welcome Cristina Guerrero Fabra to the IUMI Secretariat as our new Policy Officer. Cristina brings a strong legal background and valuable experience working with national and international insurance associations. We are very happy to have her onboard and are confident that she will be a valuable and pleasant addition to our team.
We asked her to introduce herself and her new IUMI role:
You’ve been employed by IUMI in a completely new role – tell us about that.
When I first read the job description for the Policy Officer role at IUMI, I immediately felt it brought together all the elements I had been looking for. It combined policy-related work at an international level with the insurance sector, an area where I had already gained experience at both national and European level. That mix of global perspective and sector-specific expertise felt like a natural progression for me.
What made it even more appealing was the fact that it is a newly created position. There is something particularly motivating about stepping into a role that offers room to shape its development, explore new areas and continue learning.
I also remember my first meeting with Lars and Hendrike from the Secretariat, even though it was online, I immediately felt a strong connection. Our conversation was open, engaging and forward-looking and it confirmed my sense that this was not only the right professional step, but also the right team to join.
What would you like to achieve over the next year or two?
Above all, I want to learn. I’m very aware that marine insurance operates in a highly specialised and globally interconnected environment, and I see the next couple of years as an opportunity to really immerse myself in its technical, legal and regulatory dimensions. There is a lot to absorb and I’m approaching this role with curiosity and humility.
I would like to dive deeply into the full range of topics relevant to IUMI’s work and develop a solid understanding of how they affect members in practice. At the same time, I hope to build strong working relationships with colleagues, member associations and external stakeholders. Establishing trust and open channels of communication will be essential, and I see that as just as important as mastering the substance of the files themselves.
In short, my goal for the first phase is simple: learn as much as possible, contribute thoughtfully, and lay the groundwork for meaningful and well-informed policy engagement.
What are your thoughts on IUMI’s role in the marine insurance sector and where do you see yourself adding value?
IUMI occupies a unique and highly respected position within the marine insurance landscape. As a global platform, it brings together diverse national and market perspectives while speaking with a coherent voice on issues that shape the sector worldwide. In a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty, sustainability challenges, technological advancement and an evolving regulatory framework, the convening and coordinating role is more important than ever.
I see myself contributing to this bridge-building function by translating complex regulatory or policy developments into practical implications for members, and conversely, helping to reflect members’ experiences back into international policy debates. My aim is to contribute analytical clarity, structured thinking and a collaborative mindset that strengthens IUMI’s voice and supports informed decision-making.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be an expert in shipping/insurance analysis?
I started my career in Brussels as a policy analyst in financial services, which gave me insight into European regulation and policymaking. My interest soon shifted to the insurance sector, leading me to the European Federation of Insurers, where I deepened my expertise in insurance policy and regulatory analysis.
After some years, I decided to return home (and enjoy a bit more sun) while staying in the insurance field, joining the Spanish association of insurers. That experience helped me understand how European and international developments translate into practical impacts at a national level, consolidating my expertise in insurance analysis.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am especially looking forward to the intellectual depth of the topics and the international dimension of the work. Marine insurance touches on everything from environmental regulation and sanctions regimes to technological innovation, digitalisation and complex liability questions. The breadth and complexity of these issues make the field both challenging and stimulating. Equally, I am excited about working closely with colleagues and members from different jurisdictions and professional backgrounds. There is great value in learning from practitioners who bring decades of experience and from associations that operate in very different legal and economic contexts.
Where would you like to see life take you in the future?
Professionally, I hope to continue developing into someone who combines technical expertise with strategic insight, someone who can navigate complex policy environments while maintaining a clear sense of direction. More broadly, I aim for a career that remains intellectually stimulating and internationally oriented. I value environments where learning never really stops and where collaboration across borders is part of everyday work, like in IUMI.
On a personal level, I simply hope to maintain balance: continuing to grow professionally while preserving time for family and friends.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Someone very close to me has always said: “If it depends on you and your work, then it’s in your hands to make it happen: you just have to put in the effort.” I have carried that mindset with me throughout my studies and professional life. It is a simple message, but a powerful one. It reinforces the idea of personal responsibility and reminds me that while not everything is within our control, effort, preparation and commitment certainly are. That advice has encouraged me to approach challenges proactively, to stay disciplined even when progress feels gradual, and to trust that consistent hard work ultimately makes a difference.
And finally, tell us something about yourself that no one else knows!
Very few people know that I genuinely enjoy building IKEA furniture. I find the process surprisingly relaxing, there is something very satisfying about starting with a box of separate pieces and methodically turning it into something functional.
