AIMU bursary for IUMI Berlin
The American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) generously offered a bursary for one of its members to attend our 150th conference in Berlin. Matthew Elias from Zurich North America was the fortunate beneficiary and we catch up with him here:
Tell us about your day job.
I work for Zurich North America in their US Marine division, where I lead the Hull and Liability book. My role involves driving/executing strategy, overseeing operations, and ensuring profitability while also underwriting key accounts and delivering tailored solutions to clients.
You attended this year’s IUMI annual conference in Berlin on a bursary from AIMU. How did that come about?
I was fortunate to receive the second bursary from AIMU, an organization committed to supporting industry professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and network. To apply for the bursary I wrote an essay outlining my goals for attending the IUMI conference. My essay emphasized how the conference would provide a valuable opportunity to expand my understanding of current global marine insurance trends and the factors that will shape the future of the industry. There were a lot of strong applicants, and I was excited to be selected.
What is your connection with AIMU and how does that benefit you?
AIMU is a professional network in the US, offering educational resources, industry insights, and a community of experienced professionals to network with. Being part of this network has been invaluable for my career development, keeps me updated on market trends and enables me to connect with other industry experts.
Was this your first IUMI conference? What were your impressions of the event?
I attended the 2022 IUMU in Chicago however this was my first time I attended outside the US. The event brought together professionals from around the globe. The conference offered a wide range of presentations on current issues in the marine industry. I was impressed by the diversity of perspectives and the depth of knowledge shared. It was an excellent experience that helped me to appreciate the size and scope of the global marine insurance market and how each region is facing similar issues and challenges.
What were your key takeaways?
Attending the 150th IUMI conference in Berlin, where IUMI was born, was an incredible experience. The key takeaways from this year’s seminar were the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the industry such as the potential geopolitical turmoil which could disrupt global trade, navigating changing local regulations and differing laws by jurisdiction and how the impact of technological advancements can impact the future of the marine industry. Additionally, it was also interesting to learn about the past challenges and evolution of IUMI over the past 150 years and to gain insights into the future of marine insurance.
What is your general impression of IUMI?
IUMI plays a vital role in the marine insurance industry by fostering dialogue and providing thought leadership. Thanks to AIMU I had the opportunity to attend a committee meeting on Sunday before the conference began. I shadowed the Inland Hull, Fishing Vessels & Yachts (IFY) Committee and was able to observe the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing their presentation. IUMI is an important professional organization for the marine insurance industry facilitating knowledge share, lobbying for the improvement of the marine sector, as well as providing education and networking opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’m thankful to AIMU for this great opportunity. I would love to encourage others in the industry to seek out similar opportunities that are offered and to stay engaged in the evolving landscape of marine insurance.
