In celebration of International Women’s Day, today we’re meeting Rob Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, International, who is based in London.
Tell us about your job and what your day-to-day looks like.
I am the proud leader of the International business. I drive the 4 business units (London, Lloyds syndicate, Stockholm, and Zurich) to build a more balanced, growing, and profitable portfolio. On a day-to-day basis, I have one-to-ones with team members, people I mentor as well as brokers to ensure we are focussing on the right things, developing our people, and driving the business forward, especially as we meet weekly to triage new opportunities. And every month I look at the numbers to allow us to act early and thus improve the result.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
I love being a leader, not only is it a huge privilege, but also a great responsibility. My job is to improve the business and inspire my teams and the wider SiriusPoint group to be the best they can be.
Which of our values resonates with you the most, and why?
I always struggle to choose between Integrity and Diversity! I believe we need to be a place where brilliant people want to build a career which means we have to be honest, respectful, and trust our people to develop and shine.
What advice would you give to women who are at the beginning of their careers?
I often hear people at the beginning of their careers over-using the word “just” and pointing out what they don’t know.
Hiring people is generally based on an equation of “will” and “skill”. At the start of your career, you are more likely to be hired for your “will” or your positive attitude, and most leaders will know they have to invest in building an individual’s “skill”. So as a woman at the start of your career, please be confident in what you bring to a team today and what you don’t know yet, and then grab every opportunity to build relationships, learn, and don’t be ashamed to show your ambition.
How did you get into the insurance industry?
I applied for a job straight from University for a global insurance company. The role was appealing because I could travel and use my languages but most of all I loved the people, the support for communities, the industries, and the global nature of risk. I felt at home and this industry has kept me learning for over 25 years.
Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?
My grandmother, who has unfortunately passed away. She was born in 1901, died when she was 102, and was a single Mum in 1930, having to play the piano in pubs to support her family – this wasn’t the norm 90+ years ago! “Never say die” was her phrase and she encouraged me to be the best I could be through resilience and by treating people of all backgrounds the way I want to be treated. She was a force of nature!
How do you empower women around you?
By giving them feedback, opportunities, and belief to follow their dreams and build the career they want without second-guessing themselves.
