25 March 2015 Insurance

60 Seconds with Robert Battenfield

As JLT Specialty continues to boost its team with a number of senior hires, Intelligent Insurer speaks to Robert Battenfield, the recently appointed senior vice president and leader of downstream energy, about once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, falling into the industry and poker.

Why is this move right for you at this stage in your career?

JLT US has committed to building a world-class leading energy focused team in Houston. Houston is home for me, and the thought of being a part of such a unique opportunity in my home city was something I couldn’t pass up. The ability to be a part of building a local team that is focused and designed solely around clients’ needs is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What will you bring to the role?

Experience and energy. I’ve served multiple roles in the insurance brokerage community, from wholesale insurance in London, to working for a large retail broker. This gives me insight into the entire insurance process, allowing me to leverage those experiences and design world-class leading, creative insurance programmes for JLT US’ growing client base.

What are your initial objectives in the new role?

My initial objectives are to make an impact on JLT US’ current client base, making sure they understand that our energy group brings all of our intellectual capital to their advantage. Secondly, applying our energy focused global resources to new clients. Finally, delivering creative insurance solutions to help clients and prospects in the energy sector solve difficult coverage and claims challenges.

What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?

The expansion of the JLT US specialty platform is based on the largest global energy book in the business. Our ability to spread the word about our capabilities and provide examples of how we are better to clients and the industry than other brokers are our greatest challenges and opportunities.

Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?

That’s a good question and I’d love to make something up that sounded really good, but the truth is I fell into it. I graduated college with a marketing degree just after 9/11 devastated the US economy. It was a challenging time to find work in my major, so a friend’s mum who was working in insurance referred me to a British insurance practitioner who was looking for an entry level resource. I took the job until I could find a ‘real job’ and the rest, as they say, is history.

If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been?

A restaurateur; I’ve always loved entertaining people with food. The restaurant business is so important to people’s happiness and enjoyment.

What are you doing when you are not at work?

When I’m not chasing my nine month old son around, I’m either golfing, cross-fitting or eating.

What is your secret vice?

Currently, vinyl records. I recently refurbished a 1960’s record console with all new equipment – it sounds amazing!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I’ve played in seven World Series of Poker events. I’m not the best poker player, but I believe I can win every time I enter a tournament.

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