NAME: Sonia Kundi
NEW JOB TITLE: Toronto-based chief risk officer, Zurich Canada
PREVIOUS POSITION: Toronto-based chief risk officer, Zurich Canada
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The long-term outlook for the industry continues to be positive. The industry has proven its ability to help customers through difficult and uncertain times. There are some well-documented near-term challenges, but I am confident the industry can overcome.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Zurich is a world-class business. Im really impressed with the talent across the organization. My role is to help the business minimize or avoid losses that put Zurich Canadas reputation, profitability and productivity at risk.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: The No. 1 challenge in risk is acquiring and retaining quality talent. A lack of adequate talent can exacerbate other risks.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I moved from London to Dublin to deliver RSAs risk management framework in Ireland. A 12-month secondment to Ireland grew into six years and two children.
ADVICE: In my last role, I created a global risk talent program. What I learned was newcomers find insurance complex, and that risk is a great role to gain an understanding of all areas of the business.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: A travel writer (when the world re-opens).
COLLEGE MAJOR: I didnt have a college major.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Zurich is an impressive global company and the opportunity to be part of its growth plan in Canada is really alluring.
FAVOURITE MEAL: It depends on my mood. Two favorites that come to mind are Tex-Mex and my mother-in-laws chicken biryani.
BOOK: I spend most of my time reading with my children. A family favorite is The Worlds Worst Parents, by David Walliams.
HOBBIES: I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes some more successful than others.
TV SHOW: Any program that makes me smile.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: My Saturday afternoons seem to be dictated by my three children.
