A trailblazer in reinsurance: how to be a mentor and leader

TJ VanBerkel is making his mark at Holborn.  

In the dynamic and ever-changing world of reinsurance, some professionals manage to stand out and leave a lasting impact. 

TJ VanBerkel, who has been nominated for Intelligent Insurer’s LEADERS under 40 report and who is a vice president at Holborn Corporation, is one such individual whose journey through the industry is marked by a combination of academic excellence, professional dedication and a commitment to nurturing relationships and mentoring future leaders.

A solid academic foundation

VanBerkel’s career began with his academic pursuits: he graduated from Florida State University in 2010, earning a BA in liberal arts with concentrations in business management, classical literature, and civilisation. 

This broad academic background provided him with a diverse perspective and a unique strategic skillset which have both been instrumental in his professional success.

Upon graduation, VanBerkel embarked on his reinsurance career with BMS Re, and during his tenure, he gained valuable experience working across various U.S. locations as well as the Lloyd’s of London office. 

At Lloyd’s, he handled U.S. and Canadian property and casualty businesses which laid a robust foundation for his understanding of the intricacies of the global reinsurance market. 

After two years at BMS Re, VanBerkel moved to Holborn Corporation, joining its New York City headquarters as a broker analyst.

Rising through the ranks

At Holborn, VanBerkel's career trajectory continued to rise rapidly as his strategic acumen, marketing savvy and strategic insights were quickly recognised, leading to his current role as vice president. 

In this capacity, VanBerkel has broking responsibilities for several of Holborn’s premier client accounts and spearheads new business development initiatives. 

“Many of these initiatives are testament to his own hard work and successful relationship-building capabilities,” said Adam Manus, President and Chief Brokerage Officer of Holborn, “TJ is tenacious in his efforts to deliver the best results possible for our clients, while at the same time maintaining respectful relationships with the reinsurance underwriters.”

“My approach to broking is to do things in a collaborative nature, ensuring that interactions with both clients and reinsurers are transparent and fair,” TJ explained. 

During his 12 years at Holborn, VanBerkel has solidified his position as a key player in the company and invested in his professional development. 

He has earned several industry designations, including the Associate in Reinsurance, Associate in Insurance, and Associate in Insurance Services. 

These credentials reflect his deep knowledge of the industry and his commitment to keeping abreast of the latest developments in the dynamic global reinsurance marketplace.

“His team-oriented approach and willingness to share his expertise have helped cultivate a new generation of talented professionals.”

A visionary leader

Beyond his broking responsibilities, VanBerkel is a dedicated mentor and leader within Holborn, playing an important role in mentoring, training, and educating younger brokers at the company. 

His team-oriented approach and willingness to share his expertise have helped cultivate a new generation of talented professionals who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the reinsurance industry.

“TJ’s contributions to the reinsurance sector have not gone unnoticed and he is regarded as one of the most strategic and effective brokers in the reinsurance business – a testament to his ability to identify problems, detect unforeseen risks, and develop creative bespoke client solutions that mitigate such problems and risks”, Mr. Manus said. 

With a reputation built on a foundation of fairness, trust and transparency, VanBerkel’s qualities are essential in maintaining and nurturing long-term relationships with clients and reinsurers alike, skills widely regarded as crucial for success in the sector. 

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