EXECUTIVE PROFILES
WOMEN IN REINSURANCE
MEET OUR PEERS SERIES
As we slowly adapt to living in this new normal, WiRE aims to help you connect with your peers in the industry as you get to learn about their life and experiences and foster new friendships along the way.
NOVEMBER 2021
HENRIETTE KJELLGREN
Underwriter,
Aspen Re
What do you like to do during your free time?
Playing tennis, reading, cooking and going out to eat!
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Must watch movie
The Big Short - an excellent adaptation of Michael Lewis' book about the 2007-2008 financial crisis. This comedy is as entertaining as it is informative. Steve Carrel shows a different side to his acting and is fantastic in it.
What surprised you most about this industry?
Before I started, I didn't realise that the re/insurance industry plays such an important role in driving economic growth, particularly as countries develop. The industry serves unique functions that promote financial stability, trade and commerce, effective risk management and access to capital. There are some really interesting (and complicated!) re/insurance solutions out there - like ILS, parametric risk transfer and microinsurance - to support economic development.
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What's your pet peeve?
I think this is because I'm from London, but slow walkers who take up the whole pavement :/
Favourite food
Cheese! Especially brie and camembert.
What would you be if you were not working in this industry?
Piano teacher.
Must watch movie
La La Land. Apart from it being an original screenplay, cinematography was good with rich, catchy repertoire.
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Best work trip
Had the opportunity to join our risk engineers for a risk assessment survey at a sugar manufacturing plant in Kanchanaburi. Nothing beats being able to view the risk firsthand.
JESSICA LEE
Treaty Underwriter,
SiriusPoint
Favourite artist/band/song that you can listen on repeat
BTS! Their groovy songs are catchy and addictive although I can’t sing most of them. It is amazing how they have turned from a local K-pop band to a globally recognized boy band who spoke and performed at the UN. Proud ARMY!
Three things you can’t live without
My phone, my wallet, and a FACE MASK!
Have you encountered any embarrassing moments while at work?
During EAIC in Macau, my colleagues and I were on our way back to the rooms from conference hall at the Venetian. We decided to take a shortcut by cutting through the casino. However, I was denied entry and I didn’t have my passport with me. My colleagues try to convince the guards but to no avail. We had no choice but to take a detour and I felt bad about it even till today.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Be a book smart AND a street smart! A degree/PHD may get you a job, but a good behavior and positive mindset will define your future
What do you like to do during your free time?
At home, I read a book or watch some movies in Netflix. I also like to go out and catch up with friends.
What will you do if you strike a lottery?
I’ll spend time with my family and treat them to a long vacation. Maybe take a road trip or go somewhere really unique.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Optimistic, outgoing, resourceful.
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What are your main takeaways from working in (re)insurance?
Never stop learning - the (re)insurance industry is dynamic so there’s always something new to discover.