What is your current role, and how did you end up in it?
I currently hold the position of Chief Pricing Officer at Probitas 1492 – a new Lloyd’s Syndicate which started writing business in October last year.In my previous roles, I always found working on the pricing side by far the most rewarding area of actuarial work. Therefore, when I heard about a new venture which had analytics at the heart of its strategy, I was determined not to miss the opportunity.
What is the defining moment of your career to date?
Well, deciding to join Probitas is as close as I feel I’ve come to a defining moment in my career thus far. Clearly Probitas is a startup business which presents its own unique set of challenges. I decided I was at a point in my career where I wanted to do something different and take a more uncertain path. Importantly, with no legacy, I knew I would be much more a master of my own destiny.
In your opinion, what prepared you best to take on your current role?
It sounds cheesy, but there is some merit in saying that everything that has gone before prepares you for what lies ahead. I guess the important thing for me is that those little steps you take – the skills and experiences you pick up everyday - have some sort of direction and you don’t go round in circles!
What is the biggest challenge you face as a stand-alone Actuary within this market?
Right now my biggest challenge is balancing the short term needs of a startup business with the longer term goals of setting up systems, processes and getting the right people on board to make the business a success in the future.
In 2016 what is your aim for defining the actuarial and analytics division within your firm?
Initially at least, the aim is to put in place robust systems which will hoover up all the data which passes through our business in an efficient and usable way. Data is a precious commodity in any situation but even more so in a startup scenario – actuaries are not much use without it! In parallel, putting together an initial team of analysts, who will work alongside our underwriters, to put that data to work is something high on the agenda also.
When did you first join the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries, and what advice would you give to those students looking to emulate your career path?
I joined the Institute in 2001 straight out of university. My advice would be to take an honest look at yourself and tailor your career ambitions to your strengths. Trying to turn around your perceived weaknesses (or trying to be someone you’re not) usually ends in tears.
If you had your time again, what would you do, career-wise?
Believe it or not, I think following an actuarial career path has been one of my better decisions. Absolutely no regrets! I do worry sometimes though that I should be doing something more physically (rather than digitally) creative – so maybe I’d be a chef.
Please share your favourite piece of trivia with our readers!
It is no coincidence that the Moon’s day is the same length as its year.
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