Tell us a bit about your role
I serve as a product owner for the line of business directors and officers, which is a very unique position. My responsibility is to provide a level of indemnity for directors and officers of companies, offering personal cover for their actions or decisions. This includes serious matters like corporate manslaughter and health and safety policies where the buck ultimately stops with the top executives. Essentially, I manage D&O policies where personal finances are at risk. Additionally, I oversee legal defense cover for SMEs, covering awards and damages, with various levels of coverage. Approximately 75% of claims pertain to legal defense costs. I handle both SMEs and Mid-Corp clients, based on their turnover. My role involves ensuring growth and profitability of the accounts, handling high-level referrals from underwriters, and evaluating new tenders during broker roadshows.
 
Best thing about your job
The best aspect of my job is its versatility. It's incredibly varied, requiring me to constantly learn new skills in different areas. This job has provided me with valuable knowledge of our systems and processes, enhanced my skills with product offerings, and enabled me to make quick decisions. Additionally, I enjoy building relationships through training internally and externally, promoting Allianz and educating people. It keeps me constantly engaged and challenged.
 
What attracted you to Allianz?
My entire career has been with Allianz. I studied psychology at university and stumbled into the insurance industry through a friend who worked at Allianz, initially in small business underwriting. I found the D&O and Personal Indemnity aspects particularly intriguing, unlike anything else I had encountered. Over time, I became one of the highest authority holders in Maidstone.
 
Tell us why you’re excited to be part of Allianz Commercial?
Having spent my entire insurance career with Allianz, I believe in the company and its mission. I felt there was unfinished business with D&O, a lot of potential to grow the product. Upon returning from AGCS, discussions with Munich RE about investment in this product further fueled my excitement. There's a lot of enthusiasm in the financial lines space, with massive targets and excitement surrounding it. We're now revamping our products, increasing our limits, and aiming to go multinational. Being involved from the ground up, including with IC, and having experience with AGCS and UK, I have good relationships and understand both sides of the fence. This integration brings our offerings closer together, and I hope in a few years Allianz can be a one-stop shop in the market, writing great business, which is truly an exciting time. AGCS provided me with invaluable education.
 
What qualities are important to be successful in the role you do?
Versatility and adaptability are crucial, given the diverse aspects of the role. Learning systems and processes, being able to change products, and acquiring new skills are essential. Developing confidence is also key, as people look to you as the expert and expect quick and confident decisions. Working in a fast-paced environment, especially with mid-corp and SME clients, requires throwing your planning out the window at times. Coming from an underwriting background is advantageous, but being a good all-rounder with strong social skills is equally important.