Rising stars


“For young professionals who like dealing with people and enjoy working in a dynamic market, the insurance industry is certainly attractive.”


Name:


Ben Galloway


Company: Ascot Job:


Underwriter international casualty


Timeline: 2014: Underwriter international casualty, Ascot


2012: Underwriter international casualty, QBE Europe


2010: Underwriter international casualty, Starr Companies


2007: Assistant underwriter on US casualty, Aspen Insurance


2006: Assistant underwriter on US casualty, Wellington Syndicate


2004: Underwriting assistant on international GL, PI, D&O & FI, Allied World Assurance Co


Why did you choose the re/insurance industry? When I left university I knew I wanted to work within financial services and I felt that insurance offered a good career path. Both my father and stepfather had roles within the industry and therefore I knew insurance offered a structured and challenging career. After joining the industry I moved into general insurance to train as an underwriter—a job I was attracted to for many reasons, most of all the analysis of risk, and negotiating and building relationships with clients and brokers. The relationship side is important as I like dealing with people.


Do you think the industry is attractive to young


professionals? The insurance industry is a huge player in the UK and global economy with plenty of different roles and opportunities. For


24 | INTELLIGENT INSURER | May 2015


If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been? Professional cyclist and/or rock star—I still haven’t given up.


young professionals who like dealing with people and enjoy working in a dynamic market, the insurance industry is certainly attractive. There will always be a requirement for insurance as businesses and households need to transfer risk to insurers. This means that insurance offers a relatively secure and stable industry in which to work.


Do you think the re/insurance industry offers good opportunities and career development to young professionals? There are a variety of rewarding roles, opportunities, and careers within the insurance industry. For ambitious young professionals there is plenty of room to develop and progress. Although it takes time to acquire the necessary skills and technical ability, it’s worth the perseverance and patience. Insurance is very much a global product, which means as a


young professional you may also have the opportunity to work and travel overseas.


What are your aspirations for the future? In the very near future I am building a profitable book of international casualty business at Ascot. Eventually, I would like to be seen as a lead underwriter in my chosen class of business, who is well respected by clients, brokers and competitors.


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