60 seconds with David Sawyer

David Sawyer has recently been appointed as senior underwriter and head of professional indemnity in Markel International’s professional and financial risks division (PFR). Here he speaks to Intelligent Insurer about driving change, coaching football and being tone deaf.

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

The opportunity to develop and shape a market leading professional indemnity portfolio further within a flexible underwriting appetite and wide geographical footprint was an offer I could not refuse. Also having worked with James Hastings the head of PFR before, I knew that his management style and professionalism would provide a good foundation for success.

What will you bring to the role?

I hope to bring further experience to the team which will enable us to fulfil our aspirations both on a corporate and personal level. I have good experience of the London and international marketplace, both from a distribution and product perspective which I believe will benefit the team.

What are your initial objectives in the new role?

In the short term, to get to know the team and understand the direction of travel for the portfolio. In the medium term, to support existing portfolio development but also drive change through the business where required.

What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?

In what is a highly competitive marketplace, to work with our distribution partners to deliver a product our customers want and need, that is also at a price we believe is sustainable through the market cycle.

Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?

A very good friend spoke glowingly about the industry. He is still a friend.

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

Ignoring the lack of natural ability I probably wanted to be a professional sportsman, either tennis or football. Otherwise, the world of turf accountancy appealed to me.

What are you doing when you are not at work?

Playing tennis, coaching my son’s football team or telling my teenage girls to get off their phones!

What is your secret vice?

I have a rather sweet tooth and so find it difficult to resist biscuits and cake or actually anything sweet.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I am so tone deaf I was told to stop singing at my own wedding.