Penny Black’s Social Diary: Kennedys’ commute and ABI’s sandwiches
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Boyz to Men
Operations director at Lloyd’s Market Association Rob Myers’ LinkedIn reminiscence about his insurance market cohort caught my eye this week. Seeing the collective experience of 350 to 400 years in one photo made me feel positively youthful at a mere 185-years-old.
The gathering with his ex-colleagues, who all met at just 16 to 18-years-old as school leavers with fresh eyes for the London market read like a school reunion for Lloyd’s of London class of 1970-something.
His description of them as “Boyz to Men (and back to Boyz some might say)” particularly tickled me, because it was truly hilarious visualising them in their dress shirts and jumpers belting “It’s unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you” with synchronised dance moves.
Penny’s Lunch Box
The ABI’s Cyber Conference buffet proved to be a lesson in meticulous presentation. I’m usually not a fan of beige sandwich options but the precise formations across rustic wooden boards made me feel like I had bitten into something far fancier than a prawn mayo.
However, the salad bowls positioned at the far end seemed more like an afterthought than a feature. You’ll rarely catch me eating a salad anyways so I’ll imagine they determined the order based on my preferences. Three stars.
Out of context
“I can’t get over how long the commutes are!”
Meg Catalano, global managing partner at Kennedys, describes what she still finds shocking about living in London as a US transplant.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on People
Aki Hussain, Hiscox
Since taking the helm of Hiscox as group CEO in 2022, Aki Hussain has been making waves in general insurance when it comes to innovation, growth and culture-building.
Jane Kielty, Aon
Jane Kielty, CEO of Aon UK, Ireland and South Africa, is redefining what leadership in insurance looks like in 2026.
Drazen Jaksic, Zurich
Drazen Jaksic climbs higher on this year’s Insurance Post Power List as the takeover of Beazley sees his influence expanding further into the London market.
Ken Norgrove, Intact
Ken Norgrove, CEO of Intact UK and Ireland, is a man with a plan to ensure the provider formerly known as RSA almost doubles its UK business to £5bn by 2030.
Jason Storah, Aviva
Jason Storah has been busy steering Aviva’s UK & Ireland General Insurance business through a period of significant change.
Colm Holmes, Allianz
In the Marvel universe, the Hulk’s power is his strength and ability to shift things. In UK insurance, Colm Holmes plays a similar role to many people's favourite Avenger.
Alistair Hargreaves, Admiral
Since taking the helm of Admiral’s UK insurance business in late 2024, Alistair Hargreaves has made a mark overseeing strong growth across motor and completing the More Than acquisition.
Jason Richards, Swiss Re
As CEO for UK & Ireland at Swiss Re, Jason Richards sits at the centre of one of the most influential reinsurance platforms in the London market, shaping how insurers respond to an increasingly volatile and complex risk environment.