How long have you been associated with IUMI?

I attended my first IUMI conference in 2011 in Paris. Since then I have attended all annual conferences including the IUMI Asia Forum.

 

What is your IUMI role today and what does it involve?

I am member of the Education Forum as well as a member of the Facts & Figure Committee. Previously I have been a member of the Cargo Committee, elected in 2014. I am helping my fellow committee members by gathering data from India, as well as non IUMI member countries in the South East Asian region. My main priority is to promote education in marine insurance in the Indian subcontinent. With the support of IUMI we have conducted market meetings and workshops in India in the past and have also planned webinars on current topics in the coming months.

 

And what is your day job?

I work in the Indian Association - General Insurance Council of India – leading the marine and aviation divisions. My job involves promoting best practices and skill development in marine underwriting in the Indian market and spreading awareness of IUMI’s education programme. I also meet with the national regulators and marine underwriters of member companies to discuss current issues of importance. Apart from participating in live webinars and contributing articles in journals, I support the marine insurance industry through participation on the platforms of various trade bodies and government institutions. I am also on the Board of Directors of the Maritime Protection and Indemnity Association of India (MPIAI).

 

What benefits do you get from being associated with IUMI? 

IUMI is a great platform to bring all those associated with marine insurance together at a global level. One of the most valuable benefits of the association is the building of a great network of expert professionals in this field. The mutual exchange of knowledge and experience is priceless. Apart from the excellent presentations and discussions during the annual conferences, the webinar series keeps us in regular touch with current topics and IUMI is an institution that works tirelessly throughout the year. The IUMI Education programme continues to gain popularity and Indian underwriters keenly participate in webinars hosted by IUMI. Being a member of the IUMI technical committees is a great privilege and opportunity for meaningful interactions with important leaders of this global community, to help find solutions to the many problems facing the industry today.

 

If you could change anything at IUMI what would it be?

IUMI needs to be more visible in developing countries through workshops and meetings, personal visits of Executive Committee members. Though there is already great focus on Asia currently, we need to include more issues impacting developing economies directly. Topics like Arctic sailings or specific EU issues do not attract South Asian underwriters as much as the container fires issue or matters related to policy coverage and interpretation of clauses. I am sure once premium volumes from these regions grows and more people from developing countries show interest in joining IUMI committees the bond will grow stronger.

 

How did you reach your current position in marine insurance?

I was a history and economics student at university and had very little idea about insurance as a career but after I joined the insurance industry in 1984, I developed very deep interest in marine insurance. The company I worked for- New India Assurance, a leader in the market - always had great focus on marine insurance and it gave me a lot of opportunity at every level to improve on my education, knowledge and experience in the field. I worked as country head of marine for a decade at the corporate office from 2009.

 

And what do you do away from the office?

I read a lot and watch international movies. Practice meditation daily. I also love trekking and travelling.