In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re meeting David Govrin, Group President & Chief Underwriting Officer, who is based in New York.
David is a proud ELT sponsor of the Women in SiriusPoint Network.
What motivated you to become engaged with WISP (Women in SiriusPoint)?
Because women’s rights and gender equality are important to society and me, personally. It is only 100 years ago when women in the United States did not have the right to vote.
Tell us about your job and what your day-to-day looks like.
Well, I have two jobs as Global Chief Underwriting Officer and head of our Global Reinsurance P&L. My day starts with a swim at 5 am as I have always been a morning person and morning exerciser. From there it varies tremendously based on the day ranging from working with teams on transactions, strategy, communicating with and managing internal and external stakeholders, providing leadership and guidance to the teams, and addressing the myriad of issues that arise daily. Often the day ends with a business dinner with clients, brokers, and other stakeholders.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
Two things, the content and my colleagues, in reverse order. It is always first about culture and the people I work with that drives enjoyment. I love the industry and challenge every day of being better and driving results. I love the creativity of our work and the importance insurance serves to society.
Which of our values resonates with you the most, and why?
Collaboration. They are all so important, but to me 1 + 1 has to equal more than 2 to drive the right culture and success as a team. This starts with collaborating.
What advice would you give to women who are at the beginning of their careers?
Same advice I would give anyone, regardless of gender. Be curious, ask questions, seek challenges, raise your hand to participate in whatever you can, network and make friends, if you are not happy, change what you are doing as life is too short to be unhappy and you can’t perform at your best when you are unhappy.
How did you get into the insurance industry?
I was working on Wall Street for a few years after college and my boss said he knew nothing about reinsurance, but his brother was a senior executive at Guy Carpenter and loved the industry. I met, interviewed, and took an entry level broker position and never looked back. One of the things I love about the industry is the many paths one can take and variety. I still learn every day after 35 years in the industry.
Who is the most influential woman you know? How does she inspire you?
Laura Schroff, though I do not know her. She is the author of her own memoir, called An Invisible Thread. She is influential to and inspires me because of her story. It is one of my favourite books about the impact we can have on people and the importance of helping and keeping perspective in life.
How do you empower women around you?
The same as I would empower anyone that works with me. Do not micromanage; be clear on authority, responsibility, expectations, and goals; let them drive and lead; let them make mistakes and ask questions; coach, and mentor; and provide opportunities to lead.
