What is reinsurance and why is it important?

I'm delighted to work for Triglav Re, one of Slovenia's largest companies. I'm proud to be part of a respected organisation that values customer satisfaction and is actively involved in the wider community. The opportunity to contribute to a team that prioritises collaboration and strives for a safer world while growing in a dynamic environment is truly exceptional. It's genuinely remarkable in our industry that we feel like a family at Triglav.

What is reinsurance and why is it important?

Reinsurance is essentially insurance for insurance companies. Any insurance company you have a policy with—for example, car insurance—can purchase reinsurance from other insurers. These reinsurers then step in during major natural disasters, handling payouts so that the primary insurer doesn't need to hold vast sums of money. If losses exceed the insurer's financial resources, reinsurance covers a portion of the costs in exchange for (re)insurance premiums. However, there are many other reasons why an insurance company would seek reinsurance.

Connection between Slovenia and Germany and my transition to Triglav Re

I joined Triglav Re from a large reinsurance company where a lot had already been achieved in traditional business across certain markets and with specific clients. Compared to larger reinsurers, Triglav Re is still a small player, but its ambitious growth targets offer entirely different potential. I'm pleased to be part of this story and to contribute to the company's continued internationalisation.

Challenges and opportunities in reinsurance, and working with people

Reinsurance is always challenging, primarily because it's about working with people. It's great that there are no borders in reinsurance, as this activity has always been international. Despite my 25 years of experience, there are still many markets I'm unfamiliar with. New markets and new people mean new challenges. I'm confident that my three decades of experience will certainly be beneficial.

First contact with Slovenia and long-standing collaboration with Triglav Re

Slovenia was one of the first markets I visited when I became responsible for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) shortly after 2000, and Triglav Re was my client back then. So, I've known the Triglav Group, and particularly Triglav Re, for at least 25 years, along with the Slovenian insurance market, even though I wasn't always directly covering Slovenia. It's interesting in our industry how often we meet in different capacities. This can sometimes lead to surprises. Working in the Slovenian market gave me the opportunity to socialise with colleagues from the Triglav Group and do things outside the office. Now we work together, striving for the same goal.

Living in Germany, working for a Slovenian company

Ultimately, it doesn't matter where you work from, especially when you're working with people. Technology allows us to work from anywhere. Large international brokerage houses and their work organisation are prime examples. It's important that the client relationship doesn't suffer, so I see remote work as an advantage because it can shorten the path to clients. Working without negative external influences is certainly a benefit that increases efficiency. When I call the office or clients, there's no noticeable difference. It's the same as receiving a call from Prague, London or the next room. It's different for team meetings, where you're, of course, aware of the unavoidable physical distance. You can't just pop over to colleagues in the next office. But this very aspect can help a company become more agile and international.

Triglav Re's enormous potential and competitive advantages

Returning to reinsurance, as that's my speciality: one advantage is certainly the immense potential our company holds. I hope I'm not mistaken, but if you look at the development of reinsurance markets in recent years, there are many opportunities here. I'm convinced that reinsurance can play a significant role in achieving the Group's ambitious strategic goals. The Triglav Group is highly respected, both nationally and internationally. One of the Triglav Group's values is simplicity. In my short time at Triglav Re, I truly appreciate how quick and efficient decision-making processes are. This is extremely beneficial and certainly a competitive advantage.

Client relationships and the importance of achieving their goals

My principle has always been to assure our clients that we've done everything in our power to achieve their goals. This is equally important for us, as it doesn't mean doing everything for the client while neglecting our own objectives. The latter are, of course, our primary task. I think this aligns quite well with the Triglav Group's mission statement and values. As I've already mentioned, I'm confident about the Triglav Group's future prospects. The goals are defined, but the bigger challenge is to involve everyone in their realisation. Internationalisation isn't always easy for organic growth. Sometimes, external impulses can act as a catalyst.

Work-life balance and the importance of recharging

Nobody wants to lose energy at work. I believe that work should be satisfying for both the employee and the employer, and also diverse; otherwise, it would be the wrong choice. Reinsurance offers the best conditions for this, as it's interesting and motivating work. For example, I enjoy client contact and developing things together. Of course, we're not machines and occasionally need to recharge our batteries. I regularly do this in nature. When asked what I'm proud of, I always say that "proud" is a strong word. Yet, I'm at least a little proud that a few years ago, I managed to step out of my comfort zone and embark on a new path, completely freely and independently. Simply to feel and experience what the future would bring. I can recommend everyone try this, even if only for a few months. I myself stayed on this new path for quite a few years.