60 seconds with Nick Sinfield

Nick Sinfield, the recently appointed head of claims at Tokio Marine Kiln, speaks to Intelligent Insurer about revolution, spotting challenges and chatting with the locals.

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

The two businesses that comprise Tokio Marine Kiln share a long history of quality and professionalism in the specialist and corporate markets, and I was attracted to the boldness of its ambition as a combined operation.

What will you bring to the role?

I hope to bring a mixture of experience and new ideas which will help our claims team both attract and retain business and also protect the capital through technical excellence.

What are your initial objectives in the new role?

It’s day one so very early days, and broadly the focus is about improving things through the aggregation of small gains with the odd revolution here and there!

What will be your biggest challenge in the new role?

Spotting it and prioritising it.

Why did you choose to work in this industry initially?

When I was looking for my first job in law, by chance I came across a partner at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, the then premier insurance law firm, who has the same surname as me, and so I wrote to him and by return he offered me a training contract. I believe it’s a little harder to get one these days.

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

I would have pursued a career as a photographer.

What are you doing when you are not at work?

Sitting around in my local café chatting with the locals about other local people.

What is your secret vice?

Buying road bikes that are way above what my competence deserves.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

I’m a qualified bike mechanic, albeit not a very good one.