Opinion
The NED Blog: What is the function of a non-executive director?
Michael Gaughan has spent over 35 years in the insurance market in various executive and independent non-executive roles. In the first of a series of blogs from a NED point of view, he explains what the function of a NED is.
Ageas’ Lyn Nicholls on the true value of mental wellbeing
When starting out as HR director at Ageas, employees were extremely reluctant to admit they had symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, writes Lyn Nicholls. Unfortunately, this denial resulted in what people like psychologist Professor Tanya Byron…
Editor's comment: Fair and quick
As many of you know I’m a motorhome owner and as a family we enjoy camping.
The MGAA's Peter Staddon on evolving MGAs
Many managing general agents are turning to digitalisation to enable them to look deeper into their books of business, Peter Staddon, managing director of the Managing General Agents' Association, explains this will allow the MGAs to see potential…
Allianz's Stephanie Smith on cultural transformation in the industry
One year on from the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation and most companies have successfully adopted the new requirements. But Stephanie Smith, chief operating officer at Allianz, says while hefty fines and the risk of reputational…
Blog: When is a professional not a professional?
Many organisations seek to employ professionals assuming they have the characteristics to bring reputational premium to organisations. Jyoti Navare, chartered insurance practitioner and associate professor at the Department of Economics at Middlesex…
My other life: Stephen Ford, Masterchef finalist
When not working as business intelligence manager at Sedgwick, Stephen Ford is busy cooking for the rich and famous at his high-end catering brand Salt Kitchen after being a finalist in the BBC's Masterchef competition.
CII's Sian Fisher on how professionalism affects reputation in insurance
Good reputation takes time to build but Sian Fisher, CEO, Chartered Insurance Institute, explains how being transparent, diverse and having a commitment to professionalism can help the insurance industry achieve this.
First Central's Andy James on trusting in insurance
Only 15% of customers will claim on their motor policies this year so how can insurers increase trust in the sector and improve its reputation with such a small touch point with customers asks Andy James, chief commercial officer at First Central…
Rising Star: Tosin Omosebi, QBE
Claims adjuster Tosin Omosebi has recently been made co-chair of QBE’s claims employee opinion forum
Hiscox's Ben Walter on why insurance needs a digital turbo charge
Digital transformation is urgently needed to make our industry faster and more efficient, says Ben Walter of Hiscox Global Retail
Editor's comment: Game of Insurance
Whether it was an epic ending or a major disappointment, some of us currently have a Game of Thrones-shaped hole in our lives… and I was just imagining what it would be like if the show was remade in the world of insurance.
Covéa's Graeme Howard on why data offers endless opportunities
As a data-rich industry, the insurance sector can add value to the customer experience by using this information to enhance the way products and services are delivered. Graeme Howard, chief technology officer at Covéa Insurance, believes it’s essential…
My other life: Julie Rayson Flynn, RAF air cadet
When not working as an operational director for Brokerbility, Julie Rayson Flynn puts her air cadet experience to good use – promoting the Duke of Edinburgh’s award and mentoring young cadets
GRP's Mike Bruce on why consolidation really means integration
Mergers and acquisitions are headline news but Mike Bruce, CEO of broking at Global Risk Partners, believes the success can only be judged if there is true integration.
Rising Star: Lauren Young, Ensurance
Joining the sector via a call centre Lauren Young has quickly progressed to assistant underwriter at Ensurance.
Axa XL's Paul Greensmith and Axa UK's Jon Walker on transforming logistics with IoT
With the Internet of Things transforming logistics, Paul Greensmith, CEO of UK Legal Entities at Axa XL, and Jon Walker, executive managing director commercial intermediary at Axa UK, explain how the insurance industry can use the wealth of data produced…
Editor's comment: Broker rebellion?
May is upon us and that means that thousands of insurance brokers are preparing for the annual camp out in Manchester to hear what their trade body the British Insurance Brokers’ Association is doing for them, plans to do for them and how insurers can…
Brightside's Brendan McCafferty on whether Saga’s writedown heralds a shift in the tectonic plates?
Providers with books that are skewed to heavily discounted year one are facing a quandary about whether to change their strategy before the dual pricing review outcomes or wait until after. Either way Brendan McCafferty, CEO Brightside Group, believe…
Trade Voice: Foil's James Heath on the Civil Liability Act
The Civil Liability Act was passed in December, changing the way whiplash claims are calculated. As part of the bill, the government also agreed to reform the discount rate, which is currently under review. James Heath, President at Forum of Insurance…
I work in insurance: Dene Rowe, innovation director, Keoghs
Working as innovation director at Keoghs Dene Rowe has been at the forefront of introducing artificial intelligence into the legal firm
UK General's Matthew Schofield on how profit, not volume, will drive growth and respectability of MGA sector
In recent months managing general agents have been in the spotlight, with the media seeking to get under the skin of one of the fastest growing insurance sectors. UK General's Matthew Schofield says MGA management teams need to now stop 'navel gazing'…
My other life: James Lai, ICAB: Kendōka
When James Lai isn’t working as ICAB’s billings co-ordinator he can be found wielding a Japanese sword in the martial art of Kendo
Rising Star: Ali Pierce, Domestic & General
Listening to the needs of customers while working at Domestic & General's call centre led to Ali Pierce climbing to group head of communications.