Julian James on his return to the industry, Sompo International’s strategy and Lloyd’s market

In our latest podcast edition, we are joined by Julian James - Chief Executive Officer of International Insurance at Sompo International.

Having held several leadership positions in the London market, including President of Allied World’s Global Markets, CEO of the Allied World Managing Agency at Lloyd’s, CEO of Lockton International, and a member of the Council of Lloyd’s, Julian has built a remarkable career in the global insurance industry. 

In today’s interview, Julian talks about the time he left Allied World and what tempted him to return to the London market as Sompo International’s CEO of International Insurance two years later.He shares the strategic reasons for why the company made the decision to exit Lloyd’s and whether Sompo would consider returning should John Neal successfully transform the Lloyd’s market into a natural home for specialty risks.We also discuss how Lloyd’s has adapted to the challenges of Covid-19 in terms of e-placements, the re-opening of its trading floor in September, and how close it was to ceasing trading in the aftermath of 9/11 nineteen years ago.Next, we look at Sompo International’s vision and international strategy, as well as growth ambitions and potential opportunities emerging from the outbreak.Julian comments on market hardening, how the industry has dealt with the pandemic crisis so far and what lessons are to be learnt. We also discuss the opportunity of creating a public/private reinsurance platform that would cover pandemics and other existential catastrophes.Finally, Julian shares his career advice to the younger generation looking to join the industry.

Subscribe to The Best Policy on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to download and listen at any time!