Diary of an Insurer: Zurich’s Iain Brumpton

Monday

I start the week logging on early with a coffee in hand after walking the family dog Isla. 

My first task is to review our latest inspection performance. Zurich Engineering consistently achieves some of the industry’s best on-time inspection rates, but it’s important we don’t rest on our laurels.

After catching up on emails, I join a leadership huddle to focus on our sustainability goals. 

We celebrate a major milestone – replacing over a million printed customer reports with digital versions, a shift that’s earned positive feedback from our customers. 

We also review our PPE to ensure our investments align with our commitment to sustainability. As part of this responsibility, I share a fun fact that’s well received – our safety glasses are made from recycled fishing nets.

After a quick lunch, I record a briefing with the Technical Services team. We speak at length about safety reporting and the importance of keeping physical and mental health front and centre in everything we do.

Tuesday

Today I’m working from our office in Swindon, Unity Place.

There are more than 700 people working for Zurich Engineering, including more than 600 qualified engineer surveyors, so it’s impossible to see everyone on a regular basis, but I do my best to be visible and nurture connections.

I meet with one of our 37 teams of engineer surveyors. It’s a chance to dig into performance metrics. We bounce ideas around and problem solve together. 

Next, I join an underwriting teams call to share insights on how we can continue to deliver exceptional customer service.

In the afternoon, I host an assessment centre to recruit two new team leaders. It’s more than just filling positions; it’s about finding people who can help shape our team’s future. 

Meeting so many talented and experienced surveyors makes the decision challenging for me and the hiring team, but it’s a great position to be in.

Wednesday

Midweek I shift gears and focus on the road ahead. I join a senior leader session to champion our “One Zurich” approach. 

We discuss strengthening collaboration and communications across all business units – commercial, retail, and Zurich Municipal – to work together even more effectively.

I catch-up with my Zurich Municipal colleagues about how we can better support their customers. 

They’re right at the heart of the public sector, servicing NHS trusts, councils, housing associations – it’s rewarding to know we are helping keep critical infrastructure safe.

The afternoon brings a personal development session with colleagues from across EMEA. The chance to learn from a global network is invaluable, and on the train home, I reflect on everything I learnt.

Thursday

I’m up early and head to London. I try and make it to the city a couple of times a month. 

It’s always a hub of energy, especially with the London broker network.

While I’m there I visit ZSL London Zoo with the team to learn more about their inspections. It’s incredible to think that we not only service lifts across the UK but also maintain lifts used to feed giraffes – a sight I never expected to see.

There are so many fascinating engineering inspections we oversee, from whisky distilleries to sports stadiums, theatre rigs, and even the lifts in the Shard. 

Before my move into engineering, I had no idea of the work that goes into keeping our country’s infrastructure running.

Friday

The day starts with a meeting about technology and artificial intelligence in engineering. I’ve learnt so much about AI recently. There’s always something new on the horizon and we need to be ahead of the curve.

On my work-from-home days, I make time for some fresh air and a walk with Isla. 

I end the day with a one-to-one career coaching session, supporting a colleague who wants to transition into engineering. 

With my HR background, I enjoy mentoring colleagues from inside and outside the company. I’m grateful I can continue discovering, nurturing, and developing talent in my role.

After a busy week, the laptop goes off and it’s family time. It’s a time for us all to connect. 

Despite my kids increasingly doing their own thing now, they humour me and we all sit down for a meal and watch Traitors together. We’ve all been quite addicted.