Meet Stephanie Lewis-Pullen AVP, AU and Associate Underwriting Manager, Bermuda Excess Casualty
What is your backstory? Tell us about your path to Sompo International.
My interest in Insurance stemmed from a Summer Student Internship Program with ACE Bermuda (now Chubb). There, I was exposed to several lines but was drawn to Excess Casualty. After that summer, I continued with my studies and after graduating university, I chose to pursue my MBA. During this time, there were no entry positions within Insurance and as such I pursued my other passion and worked full time as a Golf Professional while working towards my MBA virtually. After completing my MBA, I was given an opportunity as an Underwriting Trainee at Canopius where I worked my way up to Underwriter. After leaving Sompo Canopius, I worked at Chubb Bermuda before moving to Sompo International as an Assistant Vice President almost two years ago.
What is something about your role / BU that people may not know?
Not my role specifically, but I do not think the greater market appreciates or understands the importance Bermuda plays as a platform for the (Re)Insurance market. We have a long history of unique solutions and have played a sizeable role in many of the markets’ most significant events. We are a consistently strong market with thoughtful leaders who have made their careers here, and others who are homegrown and look forward to adding to the islands impressive record. We are privileged to have many of our Fortune 500 clients come to visit us every year and who rely on us to provide solutions when others cannot. We develop very strong ties with our clients and it certainly doesn’t hurt to work in paradise!
What do you think makes Sompo International unique?
The growing commitment to Development and Diversity. Many Insurers strive to grow and become a top Insurer, but few focus on the people who will make that happen. There is a renewed emphasis and obvious investment in developing and retaining talent, diversifying our staff and embracing technology to allow us to adapt and provide unique solutions to the ever changing demands our clients face. The opportunity to be a part of Sompo’s rise as a Top 10 Insurer and our commitment to development are key reasons, I wanted to join the team.
Can you shed light on a current project / initiative you / your BU is working on?
One of the projects I am currently assisting on is our Excess Casualty Claims Trend Project. It is a joint project with our Actuarial team using loss data from over 100 accounts across various industries that we have written over the past 10+ years. We are creating exhibits to quantify how loss frequency and severity have changed over time and will allow us to communicate more effectively over pricing needs with our clients
What is a trend you feel is impacting the industry at the moment?
This past year has really brought into focus the growing need for commitment to diversity and developing human capital. There will be a continued war on talent, and those companies that focus on developing, retaining and truly embracing diversity and inclusion will be those that will lead our Industry in the years to come. Solutions to new problems will require new thinking and approaches so diversity of thought will be vital.
Any advice to your younger self?
To never give up and the importance for being responsible for your career. The door was closed so many times before I got my start in the industry but once I was given an opportunity, I was convinced to make the most of it. I often remind myself of a favorite saying, “Everything you want is on the other side of hard work!” It is also very easy to sit back and hope that someone else will provide the opportunities, but you need to make your own luck and continue to push for what you want.
What do you do when you’re not working?
Usually involves sports, food or both! I am an avid sports fan, so I am likely playing golf or watching the latest game. Outside of this, I love to cook, so I will often be experimenting with new dishes or entertaining friends and family – the perfect weekend involves both.