Meet Peter Blackaby, VP, Head of Multinational Business Issuing Office, Deputy Head of JIA, EMEA
Tell us about your career journey and your path to Sompo. What attracted you to Sompo?
I feel very much a veteran, as I have been working within the Sompo Group for nearly 35 years, starting out with Nippon Fire and Marine UK in 1988. After several integrations between Japanese insurers, this culminated with Sompo. I have held a number of positions within Underwriting, Claims, and Operations, always with a focus on Japanese business (JIA). From 2017, I have witnessed exciting changes outside of Japan as Sompo aims to achieve its goal of being one of the top ten insurers globally through both acquisition and organic growth.
Tell us about an initiative at Sompo that you are most excited for this year.
As part of One Sompo, we are developing our multinational capabilities globally and I am delighted to be part of the EMEA team. As we build these hubs, this will enable us to provide comprehensive insurance programs for our clients and brokers, challenging our peers while building on what we already excel at!
What advice do you have for prospective Sompo candidates?
It is an excellent time to join Sompo, especially within the EMEA region, as the journey has only just commenced. There are plenty of opportunities to grow together, working with innovative and experienced colleagues.
Tell us about the first [paid] job you ever had.
My first job was while I was a student – working behind a deli counter. I suspect that is why I have a fondness for cheese and charcuterie!
If you weren’t working in the position you are in, what would you be doing? If you could have a career in anything – what would it be?
I have a passion for cooking, so I would love to be a chef. I am, however, not so certain about the hours.
Tell us something about you that might surprise us. Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I enjoy middle-distance road running up to half-marathons and generally keeping myself fit. Otherwise, I spend time in the kitchen cooking or working in my garden.