60 seconds with Samson Rathaur
Samson Rathaur, the recently appointed senior marine risk consultant at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) talks to Intelligent Insurer about his love of the sea, bringing his new team together, and enjoying a good cook-off.
Why is this move right for you at this stage in your career?
From an early age I was fascinated by sea, though I lived very far from the sea itself. After finishing high school I successfully applied for an apprenticeship in the merchant navy as a trainee deck officer.
After spending more 18 years working on a variety of ships and navigating up to the rank of captain, it was time to “swallow the anchor” , to have a better working life and family balance. This opportunity at AGCS will allow me to apply my first-hand experience of working at sea and skills in delivering risk solutions to the emerging and evolving sector.
What will you bring to the role?
I would bring the hands on experience, technical knowledge, translating risk management practices into on-board tasks which will improve operations and strengthen the client /insurer relationship.
What are your initial objectives in the new role?
The first and most important objective is to get to know the clients and understand their risks so I am able to provide the best possible risk solutions, fulfilling their individual needs. With my colleagues I want to understand where our strengths are and what I can bring to the team.
What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?
Every role has new opportunities and challenges, for me it is too see where I can add value to the relationship and bring the team together.
Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?
I was exposed to marine insurance doing my previous positions and was always interested in understanding more about what was involved. The legal side and problem solving aspects are what initially drew me too the role. Marine Insurance it is continually evolving and I wanted to be part of the next generation - a really interesting sector and I am happy that I made the right decision.
If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been?
When I was at school I only had two aspirations, to be a ship’s captain or a fighter pilot. The first I have achieved and second still remains a dream.
What are you doing when you are not at work?
I enjoy spending time with family. I am a proud father of two beautiful daughters aged two and eight who are full of energy and take most of my time at home. I love outdoors, enjoy going for long walks in the New Forest.
What is your secret vice?
I really do not have any secret vice.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I enjoy cooking. Having travelled all over the world inspires me to cook variety of cuisines. My wife and I have cook-offs and enjoy the healthy competition.
