NAME: Gordon Steward
NEW JOB TITLE: London-based managing director, forestry, Dual Group
PREVIOUS POSITION: London-based managing director, forestry, Dual Group
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: For the sector, extremely positive following COVID-19 easing globally. Lumber prices have accelerated on the indices, driven primarily by global housebuilding and ancillary components to the house building industry – furniture for example.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: To continue to lead the forestry underwriting niche globally and ensuring that Dual is the go-to for the class, all while driving innovative solutions for each respective countrys forestry insurance requirements.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Within forestry insurance itself, lack of intellectual insurance capacity.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: Realizing the cruciality and need to provide insurance cover for forestry owners and investors.
ADVICE: Learn how to underwrite first and then specialize in the forestry class by visiting the forest owning company. This means visiting the plantations at ground level and getting into the heart of the industry itself.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Pilot
COLLEGE MAJOR: Business studies specializing in insurance and banking.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Achieving success with the new team. When I say team, I mean the new company. We are all in it together.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Spaghetti Bolognese
BOOK: Revolution in the Head, by Ian MacDonald
HOBBIES: Running, sports car racing and kayaking.
TV SHOW: Yes Minister
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Tinker with car engines or take a walk through my local forest.
