As market leaders in the provision of kidnap and ransom insurance, the Hiscox Kidnap and Ransom team continually innovate and enhance their product offering to safeguard customers from rapidly evolving security risks, providing individuals and businesses with the confidence to travel and work globally. Here, the team discusses their priorities for the year, what attracts them to the role of a kidnap and ransom underwriter, and explain how their roles are constantly evolving.
Stuart Allen, K&R Line Underwriter
As K&R Line Underwriter, what are your team's priorities for this year?
We plan to continue to lead the way in kidnap and ransom (K&R) insurance. Recent product innovations include the launch of our new Personnel Security Plus endorsement, and we are continuing to grow our corporate book in London and the US.
We have more new products in the development stage that we plan to release later this year, and we are focused on continuing to deliver great service alongside our fantastic partners, including Control Risks, International SOS, and Great American.
As we grow both as a team and in premium volume, we want to deliver an even greater package of protection. Our broker and client partners are a critical part of that ambition, and I’m looking forward to the journey together.
Sarah Sheldon, Underwriter
Can you describe what it’s like to be a K&R underwriter in three words, and why?
Analytical, engaging and relevant.
It's always fascinating to analyse the ever-changing global risk environment and understand what's happening around the world. It's particularly engaging as we frequently have work meetings with brokers and enjoy working collaboratively. It's also highly relevant, given that we play a crucial role in ensuring people receive the support they need during moments of crisis, no matter where they are in the world.
Angie Tijerino, US K&R Binder Manager
Given the constantly evolving risk landscape across the US, what are the primary concerns of your clients?
Clients want to demonstrate a good duty of care to their employees. Their concerns are primarily driven by the constantly changing security environment, both domestically and globally. Recent events have shown that a situation can change very quickly, evolving from a specific threat to a kidnapping, and then to a broadly declining security environment requiring evacuation. There is always uncertainty; however, a good K&R policy helps mitigate the volatility, especially for insurance that has worldwide coverage and provides access to a top, reputable response team, which is exactly what we offer.
Lucy Scott, Underwriter
How has your role changed since moving from London to Miami with Hiscox?
I’ve had the pleasure of working with a new underwriting team, an array of brokers and a new avenue for placing business in the admitted market since I moved from London to Miami. I have had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of our product, as well as the work that goes into a paper transition both on the front line and behind the scenes. I am looking forward to the year ahead, seeing our brokers over in the US West Coast and the new challenges to come.
Mahima Brojomohun, Associate Underwriter
What drew you to join the Hiscox K&R team?
In my last year at university, I started researching the possible career pathways I could undertake after completing my degree. I instantly became fascinated by the diversity of classes within the insurance industry, but K&R caught my attention. I love how it’s linked to world events in both a proactive and reactive way as well as its relevance to promoting the wellbeing of individuals operating in the most challenging environments. The Hiscox K&R team is made up of experts whom I can learn from, and every day is unique, creating an environment of challenge and growth which is exactly what I was looking for.
Michael Ludwig, Associate Underwriter
As a new associate underwriter, what has been the most valuable learning experience for you since joining Hiscox?
With no previous insurance experience, I had a lot to learn from day one. Having a team around me who are both supportive and knowledgeable on K&R risks made it much easier to start picking up on the terms and systems that we use each day.
To me, the most valuable learning experience so far are the two weeks I spent in London where I was given the opportunity to meet the wider teams at Hiscox. Whilst we all operate in our own areas, it was inspiring to see how it all comes together in a high functioning organisation. Meeting with our claims team who showed me the real-world results of our underwriting, the pricing team who could provide the data analytics for the wider organisation, and the London underwriters whose expertise further illustrated methods for valuating risks, was all pivotal to my continued growth here at Hiscox.
Dan Lofts, Underwriter
What inspired you to make the switch from broking to underwriting K&R at Hiscox?
After joining the K&R insurance market in 2021 as a broker, I developed various skillsets such as creative thinking, organisation, and relationship management, which have all been crucial to my progression within the London market.
One area where I wanted more exposure, however, was the analytical and risk assessment of various clients; understanding why certain decisions are made and how to achieve a positive outcome and solution, no matter the risk. So, I made the switch to underwriting, allowing myself to fully understand the complexity of various risks and how collaboration between internal teams drives key underwriting decisions. My previous experience as a K&R broker also equipped me with a unique and well-rounded perspective on the client engagement side, helping me to appreciate the issues our clients were most concerned about and how Crisis Management/K&R policies can effectively support a client prior, during and after an event has occurred. By taking this knowledge into an underwriting role, I have developed an in-depth understanding of the K&R product and what issues/concerns a client may be faced with the most, meaning I can suggest new ideas and tailor insurance coverage to best meet their needs.
Nicole Coster, Underwriter
What do you enjoy most about working with colleagues across different offices and teams?
When it comes to underwriting, I find getting the different viewpoints of underwriters from other offices/teams really helpful. Discussing a risk with other underwriters helps me look at a risk from different angles and refine my approach for that specific risk. When it comes to other teams outside of underwriting, it’s interesting to get insights into the other aspects of the company and how their roles contribute to the products we offer to our clients.
Joss Cheney, Underwriter
What has been the highlight of your career at Hiscox so far?
The relationships that I have made along the way have been incredibly rewarding. Whether it's fellow colleagues, brokers, or everyone in between, they have all contributed to making my time here vibrant and memorable. Their support and teamwork have enriched both my professional and personal life, making my journey here colourful and fulfilling.
Nicole Naimola, Underwriter
In your experience, what qualities are most important when it comes to establishing a good relationship with brokers and clients?
In my experience our brokers value responsiveness and transparency. I find that as long as you respond promptly, tell them what you are doing and provide the reasons why, you have set the stage for a strong relationship. It is also beneficial to be their go-to product knowledge expert.
Jess Robinson, Underwriting Apprentice
What do you enjoy most about working within the Hiscox K&R team?
What I enjoy most is how well we all get along. As a small team, we are very close and enjoy spending time together. When I joined the team, I found everyone to be so kind and patient. It was my first corporate job, and I thought it would be very formal and strictly business. However, as a team, we have a great balance. I know that if I need help with a task, people will make time to assist me, no matter how busy they are.
Ahmed Zbidi, Underwriter
How do you see the role of a K&R underwriter changing in the next five to ten years, and why?
The role of a K&R underwriter will change depending on how the world changes from a security and geopolitical perspective. While kidnap and extortion remain our areas of expertise, these threats fall under a broader crisis management umbrella where new risks are expected to emerge in the next five to ten years. What I love about K&R underwriting is that we have to constantly keep an eye on these issues, understand them and, in turn, see how they fit into our current offering, so our products are always fit for purpose. I think it’s about ensuring our offerings align with client needs and response consultants’ ever-expanding capabilities.
Kidnappers and extortionists may adapt their tactics or continue their activities in new regions, however, the need for underwriters to understand the risks, provide world-class claims service, and collaborate with top-tier response consultants will remain unchanged.
