NAME: Vanessa Maxwell
NEW JOB TITLE: London-based global head of financial lines, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
PREVIOUS POSITION: London-based country manager, U.K., Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Inc.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: We are in a dynamic market at the moment, transitioning quickly with significant investment for new start-ups. Underwriters need to maintain discipline to stabilize the market and allow for long-term sustainability.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: AGCS has built a fantastic platform with great people, and I hope to lead the financial lines business successfully through the transitioning market and continue to build AGCS as a market leader.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: There are many internal and external factors challenging the market. Internally, companies need to be better at gathering and using data to make key decisions. We are also facing a talent war, and attracting and retaining talent will be difficult. Inflation; environmental, social and corporate governance; COVID-19; and the war in Ukraine all continue to challenge our industry by increasing uncertainty.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first role was as a premium finance account executive.
ADVICE: Listen and learn from as many people as possible. Take time to understand all the areas of the business.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Dog walker
COLLEGE MAJOR: I went to the University of Delaware and received a B.S. in economics, with a minor in business administration.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: The geographic diversity as well as learning a new way of working.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Sushi
BOOK: Most books by James Patterson
HOBBIES: At the moment, parenting!
TV SHOW: Ted Lasso
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spend time with my family and take our dog for long walks.
