NAME: Jane Hayes
NEW JOB TITLE: London-based underwriting director, Lloyd’s Market Association
PREVIOUS POSITION: Dublin-based chief underwriting officer, EMEA, Zurich Insurance PLC
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: I think the industry needs to innovate urgently, both in product suites and in operational processes. We should be offering customers more products than they want, rather than just the traditional lines. Expense ratios are much too high, which is affecting profitability. There are so many alternative ways of risk management available that traditional insurance needs to make sure it remains relevant.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Help the market move forward on both of the above issues, and to drive a passion for technical underwriting excellence through the market to improve profitability. I am also a believer in diversity, and welcome the chance to help the market improve its image in this area, and coach and mentor women in underwriting in the Lloyds market.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Lack of innovation and very high expense ratios.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I started in the industry as a graduate trainee for a composite marine syndicate in Lloyds.
ADVICE: Learn as much as you can about the various aspects of the industry before you decide which way you want your career to go. Make sure you pass your exams and gain your professional qualifications.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Independent nonexecutive for a sporting body of some sort, preferably with a focus on womens sports, both elite and grassroots.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Economics
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Working with lots of new people in the Lloyds market, and reacquainting myself with some old friends and sparring partners.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Having just visited Sri Lanka (a must for any bucket list; it was fabulous), I have a passion for Sri Lankan cooking and can now produce a fairly authentic Sri Lankan chicken curry.
BOOK: Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. I am currently reading The Body, by Bill Bryson, who makes all things scientific accessible.
HOBBIES: Running, swimming, and I would like to get back into netball. Walking the dogs and keeping an assorted flock of backyard chickens.
TV SHOW: “Fleabag, The Kominsky Method, The Crown, Grace and Frankie and The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel are all current favorites.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: I like to go to live sporting events (rugby, football, cricket, tennis, netball) and my daughter plays lacrosse for England, so I always go to her games wherever and whenever they are.
