What newspaper do you read?
What newspaper do you read?
Many but some only lightly: FT, Scotsman, Daily Telegraph, insurance press, Spectator, Economist
What career did you want to have when you were a child?
A sailor visiting far flung places. This was when the internet was not even a glint in anybody's eye
What do you like best about insurance?
The variation. The insurance market is amazingly tough, as near as you can get to "perfect competition" in real life
What would you do tomorrow if you left the insurance industry?
Start an internet-based information and education company
How do you relax if you do not play golf?
I relax by running most mornings when in Scotland. Otherwise, racing sailing boats.
What is the biggest insurance claim you have ever made?
£250 for a camera lost overboard while changing yachts. I still have the GPS position if you are interested and want to have a dive
Who do you most admire?
In Sailing – Pete Goss – the ultimate "Don't Make A Drama Out Of A Crisis" person and pleasant as well. In the World – my wife – she teaches 30 four/five year olds and gets them to want to come to school
Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?
To be the Minister of Finance of the Netherlands
What is your favourite quote?
"I can't, does not exist"
What advice would you give someone starting in insurance today?
Make sure others consider you a professional, choose something you want and can be good at. Then do it!
What was your first job?
Cleaning toilets in Shell Headquarters in Amsterdam
Where did you grow up?
In Amsterdam. I was a pain for my teachers I always wanted to know more and was happy to argue with them
What was your education?
Nautical College Grammar School University
What is your favourite film?
Depends upon my mood – Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid/An Officer & a Gentleman/New Thomas Crown Affair
What is your favourite book?
At the moment – "Against the Gods" absolutely fascinating
What is your favourite dinner?
Indonesian Rysttafel – hopefully one of the fringe benefits of my new role
What is your favourite joke?
The Farside. I buy the Evening Standard for that cartoon alone.
How often do you use public transport?
Daily when in London. Train, tube, also plane – 150 times last year!
Who do you vote for?
I do not qualify as an "Alien"
Are you in favour of the Euro? Yes/No?
Yes, it makes sense to have the same currency as our market place. However, not a panacea, over the longer term it will benefit us. Staying outside will deprive us from a chance of influencing the outcome.
