Deputy CEO at eData Information - the region’s leader in AI and vehicle/claims data
I’m Deputy Chief Executive Officer at eData Information, where our focus is to improve the profitability of regional insurance companies through the applied use of artificial intelligence and large language models in the areas that matter the most; underwriting and claims management
We’re operating in the UAE, Oman, KSA, and Egypt, and what we’re doing is making a tangible and significant difference to the insurers profitability - it’s truly amazing to be part of an organization that makes a difference in the industry
Chief Executive Officer of Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC)
I was CEO for AWNIC with a mission to build one of the largest composite insurers in the UAE. AWNIC is positioned as a “Boutique multi-line insurer’, offering one-stop insurance solutions for individuals and SMEs. Its the only composite imnsurer in the UAE offering all products online, end-to-end, and the focus is to offer these hassle-free, open and transparently
The company is one of the most profitable insurers in the UAE
Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) at AXA Global Healthcare
The role of a CTO is to be a catalyst for change and to secure that all projects and initiatives are aligned toward implementation of the digital transformation. The majority of the work is working with colleagues around the world to secure alignment and active participation in the change programs
This always begins with a clear understanding of the strategic ambition, broken down into tangible goals that the transformation projects can be steered towards. An immediate next step is to get a clear overview of running and planned projects to enable adequate prioritization and resource allocation
There’s a cool video about this here
The Digital Transformation Office for UAE’s largest insurer
Running a digital transformation office means covering key business areas like cross-unit user experience, end-to-end process automation and optimization, digital product ownership, and managing the insurer’s external and internal innovation processes
I’ve been running the Digital Transformation & Innovation for the largest healthcare insurer in the Middle East, focusing on intelligence automation, innovation, and process optimization - all through engaging the key elements of any transformation: People
The picture shows one of my ‘signature moves’; the war room, where we focused on implementing a company-wide CRM system - this is a place to concentrate focus and energy and get things done very fast and very coordinated
A highly respected expert in digital insurance
Since the late 2000s my primary focus has been on transforming incumbent insurers from slow-moving giants to more nimble, flexible entities, capable of facing the new wave of digitalization and insurtechs emerging. The biggest challenge insurers face? Rigid IT systems and cumbersome workflows and processes. Luckily, there’s a way out ;-)
In 2020, I published my third book, this time with focus on providing my experience in how to successfully adjust and adapt incumbent insurers to the new, digital world. It’s already a bestseller
From startups to global corporations
I’ve been running a startup in a small hotel apartment in New York, managing high-performance teams in a top-tier advisory firm, running the global operations with 1,500+ direct reports scattered across 33 countries, and leading a successful GCC-wide digital transformation of the region’s leading insurer
I’ve taken full PnL responsibility in China, the Middle East, USA, and Europe, and I thrive when I see the results of changes in the finances and throughout the firm’s value chain
Living and working in four continents
If there’s one thing that humbles me, it’s the impact local cultures have on how business is done. I’m amazed about how different regional cultures are, even in a global setting. Throughout my career, I have been living and working in USA, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and I’ve learned that the key to success is to adapt and adjust
Don’t lose your own culture and identity, but adjust and adapt to function within the culture you’re in - that’s the key to success
Renowned public speaker
My experience in successful business transformation across industries and continents has given me a lot of knowledge that I am keen to share. When I engage with the delegates at conferences I too learn a lot, as I get the unique chance to gain insights into how other companies and industries are tackling business challenges - methods that in many cases inspires to different ways of thinking ‘back home’ - read more here
Plus, it’s a lot of fun and keeps my thoughts sharp
Lecturer at the first MBA in digital insurance
The World’s first mini-MBA in digital insurance launched in 2020 and I’m proud that I’ve been one of the founding partners for this essential education for leaders in the insurance industry worldwide
Our aim it to provide insurance leaders with in-depth education on the future of insurance, the digital tools taken the industry there, and how to construct an insurer ready to meet the future challenges - read more here
“He can be a little stubborn and difficult at times, but we wouldn’t change him for anything in the world”
— WIFE
