“I genuinely love writing business. It’s so interesting learning about new issues and researching technical data and understanding new and emerging risks. Some of what we underwrite for today, didn’t exist when I began my career 35 years ago- and that’s why underwriting is so satisfying. Insurance, particularly underwriting, never stagnates. Political and economic climates, new technologies, societal change etc. mean there are always new risks to consider. It’s fascinating; very rewarding work.”

Underwriting is where Melina’s passion truly lies, with her love for problem solving keeping her on her toes.

“I like to be challenged by the different industries that I'm asked to underwrite. So, when there's something that's a little bit complicated, I’m driven to find a way to write it, within guidelines. Our Commercial underwriting team has a genuine can-do attitude and an appetite to delve into complex underwriting conversations – more so now than ever before, in fact. We can be creative and come up with a solution that has the customer top-of-mind. It’s fascinating work.”

From career break to new beginnings

Following a long tenure with a previous employer and a career break to raise her family, Melina says she was ready for a new challenge, which is when she made the decision to join Allianz.

“When my boys were young, I was fortunate to be able to take a career break and live overseas, doing regular ‘mum stuff’ like leading the Parent Teacher Association and helping regularly at the kids’ international school. It was fabulous, spending so much time with the boys in a wonderful place they call ‘the land of smiles’. By the time we came back to Australia, I was very ready to return to work and sink my teeth into interesting, challenging underwriting.”

If she had to pick one standout thing that makes Allianz a great place to work, Melina says it all comes down to one simple, but important factor: the people.

“The people here are very friendly and approachable; I’ve felt so welcomed. There’s also a wonderful, refreshing culture of leadership at Allianz with a dynamic Chief General Manager leading the Commercial division, and many other brilliant leaders who bring fresh perspectives and diversified experiences to the business. We have regular roundtable catch-ups to engage everyone, discuss complex underwriting and find ways to get that business written. They’re inclusive, thought-provoking workshops with colleagues and underwriting challenges from across the country. The roundtables are a great way for us to knowledge-share and learn from each other."