Head of commercial underwriting and operations
Ageas
Cathy Taylor has over 25 years’ commercial market experience of working with major insurers, such as Aviva, Ecclesiastical and Direct Line Group. First joining the industry as a professional trainee underwriter at NFU Mutual, she joined Ageas in 2014 as head of commercial underwriting and operations, tasked to manage Ageas’ commercial lines account. In this capacity, Taylor focuses on engaging brokers and helping them step up to address the needs of their SME clients, particularly following the EU referendum and the implementation of the Insurance Act.
She regularly communicates market updates and changes to the broker’s role through online channels and resource sites, such as SME for Growth, and oversees events that facilitate direct exchanges between brokers and Ageas’ underwriting team.
Prior to Ageas, Taylor held a variety of senior roles, including one that is among her proudest accomplishments.
“I was acting CEO of a day hospice in the Cotswolds at the same time as leading a major project for a niche insurer. I managed both concurrently and worked closely with the hospice board and executive to enable positive change and bring in a new permanent CEO as well as delivering a successful project,” she says.
With many industry achievements under her belt, Taylor is not without personal accomplishments as well. She once played indoor rugby with Prince Charles using a Christmas cake; she has abseiled off the tallest building in Birmingham for charity; and was once part of a record-breaking air guitar event.
