Multinational

Brian Grabek

Executive Vice President, Multinational Leader

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Brian Grabek is the Executive Vice President, Multinational Insurance for Sompo International, leading the firm’s multinational platform. In addition to building out an insurance network that clients can seamlessly access, he is responsible for developing common processes and an internal structure. Prior to joining Sompo International in January 2021, Mr. Grabek held several senior positions within the industry, most recently as COO, Multinational with a leading insurance carrier. Earlier in his carrier, he held various roles within distribution, customer service and Small Business and Large Casualty program underwriting. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island. 

Paul Burgess

SVP, Global Head of Multinational Insurance, Claims

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Currently responsible for developing, promoting and monitoring the implementation of claims policies and practices globally, I have more than 30 years of experience in insurance claims handling and policy implementation in the Lloyd’s and London markets. After starting my career as a claims technician 32 years ago at a Lloyd’s syndicate, I have held various global leadership positions in insurance and reinsurance at The Excess Insurance Company and RSA. Concurrently, I served as the Chairman of the British Aviation Insurance Company.  I am also a member of the IUA Claims Strategy Committee, as well as a committee member of ARIAS UK.

Fernando Gonzalez

Senior Vice President, Multinational Insurance

Fernando Gonzalez is Senior Vice President, Multinational Insurance, responsible for managing Sompo’s global fronting network. Prior to joining Sompo in 2011, Fernando held executive positions at Yasuda Fire & Marine, AIG, Marsh, and Aon. His 20+ years of experience has allowed him to acquire global knowledge in various areas of the insurance industry, such as underwriting, global programs, client and distribution channel management, captive management, organic and non-organic initiatives, claims, and reinsurance. Fernando holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the IPN (National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico), as well as a Master of Business Administration from the Ibero-American University of Mexico. 

Matt Hoare

SVP, Head of Multinational Insurance EMEA

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I am currently Senior Vice President, Multinational Insurance for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and am responsible for designing and delivering client-centric multinational insurance solutions in a timely, simplified way, across Sompo’s full suite of products. I joined Sompo in 2022 to help build a world-class, technology-enabled Multinational platform designed to help our clients and broker partners navigate a complex world and efficiently manage their risk exposure and regulatory compliance needs. I have held various positions with global carriers, most recently as the Head of Multinational, Middle East and Africa for AIG.

Chris Pickering

Senior Vice President, Multinational

Chris Pickering is Senior Vice President, Multinational. Her over 34 years of industry experience covers all aspects of insurance company operations including underwriting, marketing, compliance, product development and pricing, contracts, admitted filings and the oversight and audit of at-risk and fronted books of business. Chris has also been responsible for U.S. personal product lines oversight and book management, and the operationalization of corporate M&A transactions. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of South Florida in addition to the Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriting designation.  

Kathrin Howard

Vice President, Multinational – Training and Development

Kathrin Howard is Vice President, Multinational Service Delivery, responsible for handling the implementation of global insurance programmes and the associated underlying foreign policies. Her team also provides guidance and expertise to functions within Sompo International on important country-specific nuances that are relevant for global programs. With more than 25 years of experience in insurance, Kathrin held various positions at global carriers and brokers prior to joining Sompo in 2021. Most recently, she was a Multinational leader at Allianz. Kathrin holds a master’s degree in English, German, and Scandinavian Studies from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany.   

Shannon Bell

Manager, Workflows and Processes, Multinational Insurance

Shannon Bell is a Manager, Workflows and Processes, Multinational Insurance.  Shannon manages the MBU’s resources, which includes developing and maintaining the department’s Intranet site, SharePoint sites, and all related tools for both in-department and out-department customers. Shannon’s over 20 years of industry experience includes covering Commercial and P&C businesses at RSA and HCI.  Since joining Sompo as an underwriting analyst in 2015, Shannon’s role has evolved into assisting in the Multinational Business Unit by designing tools and creating space to better manage workflows, documents, and resources. 

Taslima Lazarus

Product Development Manager, Multinational Insurance

Taslima Lazarus is Product Development Manager, Multinational Insurance, responsible for managing all lines of business for the Multinational Business Unit and providing technical support for the complex accounts capabilities of our approved partners. This includes managing the accounts handling team and analyzing foreign country compliance for new and renewal businesses. Prior to joining Sompo, Taslima amassed more than 20 years of Business Development experience with the United Nations as an International Civil Servant. Once at Sompo, she worked in claims and underwriting before joining the Multinational team. Taslima holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.  

Richard Buddendorf-Greenhalgh

Policy Analyst, Multinational Insurance

Richard Buddendorf-Greenhalgh is a Policy Analyst, Multinational Insurance. He is responsible for conducting assessments on different insurance policies to determine the associated risks involved for both Sompo International and the insured entity. Richard has extensive experience in general insurance administration and underwriting, having worked for various global carriers. Prior to joining Sompo in 2021, he held an underwriting position at Marsh.  Richard holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Physics from the University of Salford. 

Arlene Frohlich

Multinational Database & Process Coordinator

Arlene Frohlich is a Multinational Database & Process Coordinator. With over 30 years of insurance industry experience, she is responsible for documenting and publishing processes and procedures for the Multinational Business Unit and users of our services, as well as supporting invoicing, assumed FAC entries, and RI slips.  Prior to joining Sompo in 2016, she held various risk management and commercial underwriting positions for GEICO and Allstate. Arlene holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Teaching, and a Master of Science degree in Reading Teacher Education from Long Island University.  

Jennifer Shiltz

Multinational Business Development Associate

Jennifer (Burke) Schiltz is a Multinational Business Development Associate supporting the quote/bind/issue process for overseas local policies needed to support Controlled Master Programs originating in the U.S. and other Sompo International territories. Her strong underwriting and reinsurance background includes more than 12 years of domestic and international insurance experience on both the carrier and broker sides and managing Accident & Health Controlled Master Programs at Chubb prior to joining Sompo in 2020.   Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government & Politics from Widener University and a Master of Science degree in Organizational & Strategic Leadership from Neumann University.