60 seconds with Charles Clarke
Charles Clarke, regional leader of construction in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region, Willis, talks to Intelligent Insurer about new workplace challenges, being a leader and owning his own winery.
Why is this move right for you at this stage in your career?
It is a very exciting time to be at Willis, with the proposed merger of equals with Towers Watson and the planned union with Gras Savoye. To have the opportunity to lead arguably the most exciting industry within the territory is something I feel I have worked towards over my 14-year career. This is a perfect match to the varied skillset and lessons I’ve learned to date.
What will you bring to the role?
I will bring positivity, passion, leadership and persistence. Africa and parts of the Middle East still haven’t experienced the full suite of risk transfer products that are commonplace elsewhere, and I hope to work with our colleagues and empower them to be markets leaders in the developing region. To ensure clients fully understand why construction insurance products aren’t simply contractors all risk (CAR) will take persistence, understanding and teamwork.
What are your initial objectives in the new role?
To listen. I can’t provide all the answers – that’s why we have an incredible global team. I want to make sure I spend time with our key associates in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region, to understand their successes or concerns in previous years, as well as what I can do to smooth the way forward.
Our business is built on our long-term client relationships and I’d like to open all internal and external communication channels and encourage openness.
What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?
Having spent much of my career to date on the ‘sharp end’ of broking in London, I will have to challenge myself daily to embrace those things that are ‘uncomfortably exciting’, as Larry Page said. I will be working in geographies with diverse cultures, variable levels of understanding and experience of large scale construction, language barriers and often historical relationships within Willis.
Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?
My father and almost all family friends and godparents were in Lloyd’s, so being naturally rebellious, I was determined to not follow in their paths. However, post-9/11 the financial markets dropped, jobs were scarce and the opportunities within insurance seemed really attractive for someone ambitious.
If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been?
When I was at school I was offered the potential to join the police on an advanced fast-track system. I even applied to medical school with the dream of becoming a pathologist or forensic scientist. I guess I’ve always been intrigued with working through those problems that most people feel uncomfortable tackling. Needless to say, entrepreneurship and the financial lure of the city won me over.
What are you doing when you are not at work?
When I’m not working or travelling, I try and grab some time to myself. Yoga and cookery are my two great stress-relievers. Also, my wife owns a successful business retailing self-cleaning hot tubs and swim spas. I really enjoy supporting her and you’ll find me there one or two Saturdays a month, selling and assisting with business strategy. Last year I managed to sell ten!
What is your secret vice?
South Africa and the winelands – I try and get out there once or twice a year. Me and my wife were married there and I aspire to own a lovely cottage nestled in the vines with my own winery, and yes, I love sampling it!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I played six musical instruments to a high level and was a scholar at St Paul’s school and the Junior Royal Academy of Music. I am a qualified clarinet teacher! I adore music –it keeps me calm and sane.
