Nicole (AGCS France)

Underwriting department, Paris

What do you like best about working at AGCS? 

I feel particularly proud to work for a prestigious, world-class organization with a reputation for excellence. The strong position of AGCS readily opens doors and provides the opportunity to work with high-profile clients and complex risks.

What does a typical working day in your current role entail?

Providing responsive and good-quality service to our brokers and clients is one of the most important aspects of my daily work. Indeed it is a key objective for me as an underwriter to align our technical processes and profitability requirements with the imperatives of ensuring customer satisfaction and nurturing long-term client relationships.

Can you describe your job in three sentences?

• Analysis of new and renewal Marine Cargo risks (setting pricing & conditions)
• External contacts with brokers/clients (business development & servicing)
• Internal interdepartmental exchanges and account coordination

What was your biggest achievement at AGCS so far?

New account acquisition is a motivating part of the job of an underwriter and is especially fulfilling for large, complex risks. The implementation of a sizeable international program always requires the mobilization of a dedicated cross-departmental group of colleagues. Following each new business “win” I have handled as an underwriter at AGCS, I am impressed by and proud of the ensuing concerted professional team effort which strives to materialize the commitments made during the tender and quotation stages.

Can you describe the most challenging situation that you have faced in this company?

It is a constant challenge to uphold our technical underwriting approach and to meet development objectives within the current soft market environment. The context for French marine business is no exception, with ample available capacity and fierce competition. Faced with this difficult context, an AGCS underwriter can draw on the differentiating resources of our company, including specialized risk control expertise, a first-class global network and financial security.

What role does the global structure at AGCS play in your every day job?

The company’s international strength is a key component of the “toolkit” available to AGCS underwriters. On an everyday basis, our rich global resources can be leveraged in so many ways, for example: deployment of an integrated international program for a new client, consultation with an overseas underwriting colleague about local market practice approach to a specific policy wording issue, collaboration with a cross-border project group, participation in an internal seminar with worldwide participants.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? What would you like to achieve?

Using the valuable experience I am gaining within the Marine underwriting team, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to be stretched and challenged and to contribute to helping the company maintain and consolidate its position as a leading player in the French market.