Larry Stokes, Zurich’s Property Underwriting Manager is the inaugural recipient of the Underwriting Special Achievement Award from the Chartered Insurance Institute Underwriting Faculty.
Larry had no idea he had been the first and unanimous choice of the CII committee when he collected the award at the Post Magazine's Underwriting Service Award Ceremony in London. The award recognises Larry’s contribution to the insurance industry over many years and in particular the last 20 when he has campaigned at Zurich for improved fire risk in schools.
In an email to Zurich staff to communicate Larry’s award, Steve Lewis (CEO, General Insurance, UK) said: “This award honours Larry's contribution to the Insurance Industry as a whole. Larry is an exceptional underwriter and this award recognises both that, and that he has used his skills and knowledge over the years for the wider good of the community. He has shaped government and industry thinking on many issues, probably most notably the prevention of arson in schools.”
And what of the future for Larry? He has chosen to reduce his exposure to customer presentations and take on a new role as coach and mentor to the next generation of property underwriters. “My ambition is to pass on my wealth of experience and extensive insight into this market!” he says. Next year’s training programme will include sessions with raw recruits as well as experienced underwriters. “It’s as important to give youngsters technical info as some of the old stagers,” he comments.
Whatever the shape of his ongoing role, Larry will continue to be a driving force in Property at Zurich.
