Helga Grønlund Hodne has recently taken over as Chair of the IUMI Salvage Forum. In this Q&A, we ask her to introduce herself to the IUMI family.
When did you first get involved with IUMI and why do you feel it is important?
I first got involved with IUMI in 2022 as Secretary for the Salvage Forum. For me, IUMI is a place where I meet dedicated colleagues from across the world to discuss marine insurance topics at a high level. It is also a place to make new friends and build strong professional relationships. IUMI has given me the opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge with a global industry that is constantly evolving; and I believe IUMI continues to play an important role as a trusted and influential voice for the global marine insurance community.
What is the primary role of the IUMI Salvage Forum?
The IUMI Salvage Forum’s primary role is to represent and promote marine insurers’ interests and views with respect to salvage and general average. The members of the Forum all have experience with salvage from their professional careers, and together we monitor and discuss developments within the salvage industry that may be relevant to IUMI’s membership. Topics of interest can be recent salvage awards published by the Lloyd’s Salvage Arbitration Branch (LSAB), relevant insurance clauses in the market as well as practical or legal salvage issues. Members of the Salvage Forum also represent IUMI in several committees and working groups on salvage across the industry.
What is your day job and how did you get to that position?
My day job is Assistant Vice President in the Claims team at Skuld, based in Oslo, Norway. With a legal background, I hadn’t originally planned a career in marine insurance, but ever since my first day as an assistant claims handler in 2017, I’ve found it to be an incredibly rewarding career path. Working closely with claims gave me a valuable insight into the practical side of marine insurance. Quite early on, I found myself particularly drawn to salvage cases and large casualties – an interest that has shaped my career and eventually also led me to my role at IUMI.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
A great advice I’ve received is that if self-doubt starts creeping in – especially when stepping into a different role or new responsibilities – remember to be yourself and be true to who you are. That is why you were given the responsibility in the first place.
What do you like to do away from the office?
Those who know me know that I spend as much time as I can enjoying the outdoors, whether on a bicycle, hiking in the forest, fishing in the mountains or sailing. As an avid music fan, I also play the drums and I am proud to be a member of our in-house band at Skuld, “The Rocky Vessels”!
