- How long have you been associated with IUMI?
It all began in Japan in 2006, where I first attended the IUMI Annual Conference. Now it is just over a decade that I have been a part of IUMI and this year’s conference in Tokyo means a lot to me.
- What is your IUMI role today and what does it involve?
After being a member of the highly technical Legal & Liability Committee, I became chairman two years ago, beginning my tenure at the Berlin IUMI conference in 2015. My main role as chairman is to follow up on all IUMI initiatives and hard work, and support these through communication and proposals.
- And what is your day job?
I have a legal background and have spent all my career looking into legal issues linked to transport insurance, marine risks and claims. I am presently the Legal & Claims Manager at GAREX and follow up on all claim issues related to war risks all around the world.
- What benefits do you get from being associated with IUMI?
IUMI is a unique professional organisation which focuses intensively, not only on shipping risks, but also on insurance matters. This is the place where marine risks and insurance issues are considered by the most dedicated international team of professionals you can find in the world, all in one place. You learn every time you attend.
- If you could change anything at IUMI what would it be?
I would share more information on IUMI’s considered shipping risks with non-marine insurers to highlight all of IUMIs, its dedicated members and partners hard work and efforts.
- How did you reach your current position in marine insurance?
When I was a child I was fascinated by vessels, oceans and maritime adventures. There was never any doubt that I would join the marine insurance industry.
- And what do you do away from the office?
Read poetry and collect old coins…the best way to escape from day to day issues.
- Anything else you would like to add?
2017 will be a year of uncertainty for all of us and this is the best time for the insurance industry as risk is an insurer’s garden! So the time has come for us to show and demonstrate that we understand the world we live in and that we are equipped to face the challenges. IUMI is a good place to do this.