roger-smith
20 March 2015 Insurance

60 Seconds with Roger Smith

Roger Smith, the newly appointed head of Aon Benfield’s London accident, health and life team, talks to Intelligent Insurer about team building, impressionable socks and twizzlers.

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

I moved to the US 20 years ago primarily to learn more about the underlying business. While that education is very much ongoing I think there is a great opportunity for me to share what I have learned with an enthusiastic and ambitious team in a thriving marketplace.

What will you bring to the role?

I have spent a lot of time with clients in the US as their initial point of contact, and led talented Aon teams to solve often complex challenges for their global businesses. I think this will translate well into the London market, particularly in this era of consolidation. I also believe that my nearly 20 years at Aon has given me good insight into how the company can be the most effective for our clients and future clients.

What are your initial objectives in the new role?

Building the strongest team in London to serve our clients, our shareholders and our colleagues. We have a tremendous platform in the accident, health and life reinsurance business, but I am confident that we can take it to a higher level yet. We have opportunities to expand what we do for our existing clients as well as to grow the number of clients we serve.

What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?

I think the thing that takes the most time is developing the essential trust and understanding with your immediate colleagues. Much of the team in the US has been together for 15 years or more, and our success has been built on that foundation. Nonetheless I am very excited about the talent and enthusiasm in the London team – you can go a long way on enthusiasm and accumulate the trust, respect and experience along the way.

Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?

My father was an underwriter with concern that his recently graduated son had no career plans. So, he secured me a summer job in the reinsurance business and I guess that summer has never ended!

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

Probably something that involved writing. In spite of the abbreviated way in which we largely communicate today, the written word is still mighty powerful.

What are you doing when you are not at work?

I am outdoors – probably looking for my golf ball, or untangling my fly-line and being happily outdone by my any one of my daughters.

What is your secret vice?

Twizzlers – I hope they do not exist in the UK.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself

As I received congratulations about the move, the most common thing people said they would miss is my socks! Apparently my style of dress is still a novelty in the US.

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