Consultation with members a top priority for new CEO
The new AIRMIC chief executive John Hurrell sets out his priorities in a letter to members
The start of any year is a time of hope, bringing as it does the prospect of new challenges and opportunities. For me, 2008 is especially exciting as I began my new job as your chief executive on January 7. For several years now I have admired AIRMIC from afar. Looking ahead, I see three key areas where we need to focus. Firstly,AIRMIC plays a pivotal and unique role within the insurance market by bringing together insurance buyers, underwriters, brokers and other service providers. Secondly, it is well positioned to educate the wider business community in the potential and realities of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). Finally, and most important of all, AIRMIC is a membership organisation. It exists to provide a service to members – to help them in their jobs and in their career development. One priority for me will be to understand, directly from members, how AIRMIC can continue to improve its support for members.
How do I think we are doing?
Well, there is no doubt that AIRMIC’s stature within the insurance market has risen markedly in recent years. It is regarded with respect as the authoritative voice of commercial insurance buyers. The Association has played, and continues to play, an influential role on a wide range of issues: contract certainty and clarity; transparency of broker remuneration; claims payment; and solvent schemes, to name just a few. I am sure we will continue to consolidate and strengthen this position. When it comes to ERM, the challenges are greater. Risk management in its widest sense is, or should be, a boardroom issue and by no means the preserve of any one type of individual.The risk manager’s job can be to advise and influence the process rather than direct it, and his or her job is often less defined. This is where AIRMIC can help by strengthening the risk manager’s hand through information, training and generally making the case for ERM. There is clearly substantial demand for this type of support – as shown by the esponse whenever AIRMIC has laid on training sessions for its members.
Communicating risk management is our theme for the year, and we will have the opportunity to step up a gear in a few months’ time when we publish the research that DNV are conducting on our behalf. It is a unique project, and has the potential to significantly raise the profile of AIRMIC and risk managers in this critical area.
Above all, I am determined that AIRMIC should always be responsive to the needs and wishes of its members. Over the next year I hope to meet as many of you as possible, and I would certainly be delighted to hear from anyone who wants to talk to me. (My email address is john.hurrell@airmic.co.uk!). Any trade or professional association, no matter how hard it tries, can always do more for its members and it is a vital part of my job to identify how we can improve our service.
AIRMIC is a terrific organisation, which is why I was so enthusiastic when offered the chance to become your chief executive. I look forward to working with you and our partners, whose advice and support will continue to be central to our progress, so that together we can make it even better.
Yours sincerely
John Hurrell
Chief Executive
