An interview with Karen Board

Name: Karen Board
Role: Divisional Director, Global and Corporate Risks Team
Time at Howden: 5 years

What first attracted you to Howden?

The people. George Stephens, a previous manager had moved to Howden and really recommended it and I trusted his judgement. Howden was a very different company then – it has grown up a lot since I joined. Five years later, I’m still here and I’m still smiling!

What has kept you here?

From the CEO down, the business is very passionate about employee development. Howden is much more proactive than other companies in encouraging and supporting it, through both formal education and informal Lunch and Learn events, for example. I’ve completed a lot of qualifications in my time here, and Howden has supported me through the whole journey – financially, and with time off to study. You can also get great advice from senior people, who are open to just sitting down and having a chat. It feels like everyone really wants to help you.

What personal development have you done at Howden?

I’ve completed a lot of qualifications in my time here. I studied a Masters in Insurance and Risk Management at Cass, gained the CII Fellowship, and I have just completed my MBA. Howden has supported me financially through the whole journey, additionally allowed me time off to study. Encouraging Learning & Development like that makes sense because the more we are improving ourselves, the better the outcomes for the clients.

What are your career highlights?

I’ve had some ups and downs at Howden, but I’ve always felt looked after. When there was a problem, there were always people around who could help me find the solution. Also, I was recently given the opportunity to operationally manage the Global & Corporate Risks Team, which is really exciting. Me and Martin Wicks, the Executive Director of the team, are actively recruiting from within Howden, where we have an incredible talent pool.  I am putting together a business plan for the team, to help us think more strategically, look forward to the future and help shape what our future looks like.  It’s an exciting opportunity that I’m really looking forward to.

What will you look for in your new recruits?

We look for open-minded people who are willing to think differently. We don’t want a company of people who think the same way, because then no-one challenges you. Diversity of experience and thought are really important. I also want people who are thinking proactively about their careers, rather than just coming in and doing the work in front of them. 

Why would you recommend a job in insurance?

Insurance is a really interesting sector to be in because you can work up from nothing and really make something of yourself. Our CEO Chris Evans is a perfect example, coming from a broker in Wales, without connections, and is now running Howden UK. If you have talent and are working hard, there is absolutely nothing stopping you.