John O’Roarke, managing director of LV= General Insurance

Yorkshire roots...

I am one of two general insurance MD’s to come from a village near Barnsley. The other one runs IAG in the UK….

Worst ever work experience...

My first summer job was at a nut and bolt factory in Barnsley. Having shards of hot metal thrown at you by the old boys was one of many charming traditions…

Guitar hero...

I would have preferred the music industry to insurance but a distinct lack of talent prevailed against me. I still take an interest and I played guitar on the soundtrack to the LV= TV advert, ‘Have love, will travel’.

Foreign climes...

I started my insurance career as an auditor with AIG covering Europe, Middle East and Africa. Helping our local MD to be released from jail in Liberia was one of the more entertaining moments.

Running for money...

My token commitment to a healthy lifestyle is now an occasional jog around the village. In 2001, I ran the New York marathon for charity and raised £10,000 for Children with Leukaemia.

John O’Roarke is managing director of LV= General Insurance.

Topics