How did you become connected with IUMI?
I started attending IUMI in 2010 but really got involved as the Chair of the organising committee for Cape Town conference in 2018. That was when I was invited to join the Cargo Committee. I was elected Deputy Chair a couple of years ago and have now been elected as Chair of the committee.
Why is it important to be associated with IUMI?
Marine insurance is a world-wide industry and IUMI brings all those industry leaders together. There is no other forum that provides the networking opportunity that IUMI does. This network not only develops long-term friendships but also provides you with contacts in numerous countries. In addition to that, the knowledge shared at the conference through top-notch speakers and panels is an education that would be almost impossible to find elsewhere. The work done through the Secretariat is also invaluable and the conference allows this work to be focused on what is important and contributes to the funding for that office to function.
What is your day job?
I have been in marine insurance for over 25 years now and fell in love with the industry early in my career. Through the years, I have gained experience and developed my skills in the marine market. I joined Horizon Underwriting Managers in 2014 as a shareholder and director. We underwrite marine cargo business including Goods in Transit, Stock Throughput and fishing vessel hull business.
Would you recommend a similar career path to those just starting out?
Absolutely! Insurance is not a well-publicised or popular industry for youngsters who are finishing their schooling and the specialist arena of marine insurance, even less so. The insurance industry is vital to the local and global economies and career development is very sustainable. The marine industry is ideal for those interested in world-wide affairs and has a massive potential for travel. For those with more analytical minds, the development of wordings and technical aspects of marine insurance will tax any bright spark out there.
What would you change in the marine insurance world?
Marine insurance is becoming the “poor cousin” of the insurance industry and is often taken advantage of when larger pockets of business are negotiated with clients. Despite that, the necessity of marine insurance is vital, and the risks taken by insurers are huge. The marine market should get the recognition it deserves.
Where will you go from here?
To be perfectly honest, I am very happy and content in my current portfolio and position. I would really like to assist young talent in the local industry to develop and create a drive for marine insurance. Talent is becoming increasingly difficult to find and I would like to help drive the will to be part of the marine industry.
Tell us something about you that no-one knows.
I studied marketing at university and started my working life in advertising. It was a very interesting career, but I felt it lacked the analytical aspect I needed to keep my mind sharp. That’s when I got into insurance. It allowed me to interact with clients but enabled me to analyse the businesses to develop the right product for them.
