Brett Solway
Sydney,NSW
Summary
As an accomplished Casualty Professional with over 18 years of experience across corporate, middle market, sme, and multinational segments, I bring a balanced commercial and technical approach to underwriting. My career is marked by a strong reputation for fostering and maintaining robust relationships with brokers throughout Australasia, a factor that has contributed to generating new business, achieving high retention rates, and strengthening portfolio profitability. As a confident leader, I excel in effective collaboration with team members, management, brokers, and other stakeholders. I am skilled in delivering both internal and external presentations, and I am deeply committed to mentoring and developing junior underwriters in the casualty sector, supporting a dynamic and high-performing team environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Liability Underwriting Manager NSW/ACT
ALLIANZ INSURANCE GROUP
12.2022 - 02.2024
- In my role at Allianz I was responsible for leading a team of underwriters who serviced the NSW/ACT Liability Portfolio
- My responsibilities included day to day team management, management reporting responsibilities, and cross collaboration with multiple business units
- This portfolio consisted of a renewal book of AU$12,100,000, during my time at Allianz I facilitated AU$4,800,000 of new business in the 2023 calendar year
- Overall in my time at Allianz I contributed to considerable portfolio growth
- Team Leadership: Led a team of underwriters servicing the NSW/ACT Liability Portfolio, overseeing daily operations and fostering a high-performance culture
- Portfolio Management: Led the management of a renewal book valued at AUD $12.1 million, successfully facilitating AUD $4.8 million in new business in the 2023 calendar year, contributing to significant portfolio growth
- Strategic Analysis: Conducted in-depth portfolio reviews to assess capacity deployment, accumulation, and desired excess structures, while analyzing emerging risks and trends
- Compliance Oversight: Collaborated with the technical underwriting team to ensure compliance and accuracy of wordings, endorsements, and exclusions, including the revision of broker manuscript wordings
- Training and Development: Designed and implemented training programs for underwriters, enhancing team capabilities and promoting professional development
- Business Development: Engaged with NSW/ACT brokers to identify growth opportunities in the middle market segment, nurturing existing relationships and establishing new connections
- Reporting and Insights: Generated comprehensive monthly management reports on portfolio performance, market trends, losses, and competitive intelligence specific to the NSW/ACT region
- Standards Enhancement: Updated underwriting standards and protocols for the NSW/ACT underwriting team, ensuring alignment with industry best practices
- Market Engagement: Facilitated broker and market engagement initiatives to strengthen partnerships and enhance the overall market presence of Allianz
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked closely with claims teams to identify trends within the NSW/ACT Liability portfolio, informing strategic decision-making and risk management
Senior Casualty Underwriter – Middle MARKET
American International Group (AIG)
07.2020 - 11.2022
- In my role at AIG, I Managed a renewal book valued at AU$5.4 million, achieving AU$2.4 million in new business in 2021 and AU$2.85 million in 2022
- Portfolio Growth: Expanded the NSW/ACT and QLD casualty middle market portfolio in alignment with AIG’s strategic business objectives
- Risk Management: Developed, underwrote, and managed a profitable portfolio of liability risks, ensuring compliance with organizational standards
- Market Promotion: Effectively promoted AIG’s casualty product offerings across the NSW/ACT and QLD regions, enhancing market visibility and penetration
- Customized Solutions: Designed and tailored Multi-National, Product Recall, and Environmental Liability programs to address specific client needs
- Client Engagement: Prospected and targeted clients with bespoke product and service offerings, driving significant business growth
- Relationship Management: Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with brokers and insureds, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and retention
- Mentorship and Training: Provided training and mentorship to less experienced underwriting staff, fostering professional development within the team
- Cross-Marketing Initiatives: Participated in cross-marketing efforts to strengthen AIG’s relationships with key client partners across various product lines
Liability Underwriter
CGU
05.2011 - 06.2020
- In my role at CGU, I managed a renewal book of AU$1.1 million, and had a NB Target of AU $700,000 of New Business Annually
- Timely Delivery: Delivered new business quotes and renewal terms to brokers within specified timelines, ensuring strong client satisfaction
- KPI Management: Maintained key performance indicators (KPIs) in a competitive soft market environment
- Portfolio Management: Successfully managed the renewal book, focusing on Product Recall Expenses Cover, Errors & Omissions Cover, Liability Construction Cover, and Excess & Umbrella Cover
- Cross-Selling Opportunities: Identified cross-sell opportunities and collaborated across multiple product lines to enhance overall business growth
- Broker Interaction: Engaged daily with international and suburban brokers, fostering strong working relationships
- Collaboration: Worked closely with Senior Underwriters, the Liability Underwriting Manager, and the National Liability Underwriting Manager to ensure cohesive underwriting practices
- Broker Platform Proficiency: Navigated broker platforms such as AON Vertex, Marsh, SVU, and Willis Willplace to streamline operations
- Risk Analysis: Analyzed complex liability risks informing underwriting decisions and improving portfolio performance
- Growth Achievement: Contributed to the continued growth of the existing liability portfolio through strategic initiatives
- Presentation Support: Prepared and delivered presentations to brokers, both in-person and via WebEx, to support the BRM/Distribution network
- Coordination: Collaborated with Risk Assessors for on-site visits to assess and manage risk effectively
- Administrative Follow-Up: Oversaw administrative tasks, credit control, and processing to ensure operational efficiency
- Salesforce Champion: Acted as a Salesforce champion, providing training and problem-solving support for colleagues
- Staff Development: Coached and developed junior staff and interns, promoting a culture of learning and professional growth
- Policy Migration: Assisted in the migration of Lumley and CGU policies to ensure seamless transitions
Packages Underwriter
Zurich
01.2010 - 05.2011
- In my role as packages Underwriter I Led a team of 12 underwriters in New South Wales, facilitating the Zurich SME portfolio
- New Business Development: Provided new business quotes across multiple lines, including Property, Liability, Business Interruption, Money, Theft, Glass, General Property, and Motor Vehicle/Fleet
- Timely Responses: Ensured new business and renewal quotes were delivered to brokers within 48 hours, enhancing broker relationships and satisfaction
- Broker Liaison: Engaged with international and suburban brokers nationally, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring effective communication
- Workflow Management: Managed the workflow of underwriters to optimize efficiency and productivity within the team
- National Collaboration: Coordinated with Business Development Managers (BDMs) and distribution teams on a national scale to align strategies and objectives
- Training and Development: Facilitated the training and development of new staff members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional growth
- Credit Control: Oversaw credit control processes to maintain financial integrity and manage risk
- Policy Documentation: Ensured accurate and timely issuance of policy documentation to clients and brokers
Underwriter Commercial Lines
ZURICH (Marsh)
06.2009 - 01.2010
- In my role as Commercial Underwriter I Collaborated closely with Marsh brokers, handling 90% of inquiries directly from the Marsh MMA offices
- New Business Development: Provided new business quotes across multiple lines, including Property, Business Interruption, Money, Theft, Glass, Liability, General Property, Motor Vehicle, and Fleet
- Timely Deliverables: Ensured new business and renewal quotes were delivered to brokers within 48 hours, fostering strong relationships and enhancing broker satisfaction
- Broker Liaison: Engaged with brokers on a national scale, primarily Marsh, while also working with Wagland Salter, Scott & Broad, Warren Saunders, RJ Vaughn, and Monaghan Clark Pacific
- Face-to-Face Interaction: Conducted daily face-to-face meetings with brokers to discuss quotes, address inquiries, and strengthen partnerships
- Retention and Performance Tracking: Monitored retention rates and strike rates to assess portfolio performance and identify areas for improvement
- Policy Issuance: Managed the issuance of all policy documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational standards
- Midterm Support: Provided midterm endorsements and Certificates of Currency to clients, ensuring their ongoing coverage needs were met
Assistant Underwriter, Corporate Liability
VERO
02.2006 - 06.2009
- In my role as an Assistant Underwriter I Supported a team of Liability underwriters and the Liability Underwriting Manager in various underwriting activities
- Daily Underwriting Support: Assisted underwriters with day-to-day underwriting duties, ensuring timely and accurate processing of submissions
- Scheme Management: Managed the Insolvency Schemes through Willis Brokers and oversaw the Veterinary Manufacturers & Distributors Association Scheme
- Bordereau Management: Handled monthly bordereaux, ensuring compliance and accuracy in reporting
- Credit Reporting: Conducted credit reporting and monthly reconciliations to maintain financial integrity
- Documentation Production: Produced all policy documents for the underwriting team, ensuring compliance with internal standards
- Diary Management: Managed diaries for underwriters and the Liability Underwriting Manager to optimize workflow and scheduling
- Platform Proficiency: Worked on AON Vertex and Marsh websites to facilitate underwriting processes
- Risk Assessments: Participated in risk assessments and reviews for renewal business to inform underwriting decisions
- Broker Relations: Managed a small group of brokers, fostering strong relationships and ensuring effective communication
- Broker Visits: Accompanied underwriters on broker visits to strengthen partnerships and gather market insights
Education
ANZIIF Certificate IV - Financial Services
ANZIIF
ANZIIF Diploma - General Insurance
ANZIIF
Skills
- Business Growth
- Work Ethic
- Broker Interaction
- Adaptability
- Value Proposition Communication
- Presentation Skills
- Task Planning and Prioritization
- Retention Achievement
- Commercial Acumen
- Negotiation Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Cross-Line Collaboration
Timeline
Liability Underwriting Manager NSW/ACT
ALLIANZ INSURANCE GROUP
12.2022 - 02.2024
Senior Casualty Underwriter – Middle MARKET
American International Group (AIG)
07.2020 - 11.2022
Liability Underwriter
CGU
05.2011 - 06.2020
Packages Underwriter
Zurich
01.2010 - 05.2011
Underwriter Commercial Lines
ZURICH (Marsh)
06.2009 - 01.2010
Assistant Underwriter, Corporate Liability
VERO
02.2006 - 06.2009
ANZIIF Certificate IV - Financial Services
ANZIIF
ANZIIF Diploma - General Insurance
ANZIIF
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