It’s all about risk quality, says Hollard’s New Property and Energy Head

Hollard Broker Markets has appointed Dianne White to head its Property and Energy Centre of Excellence (CoE) – just at the most challenging time of the current market cycle.

Economic times are tough, clients don’t have money to burn and there is continual pressure on rates. Stiff competition in the insurance sector often revolves around price. 

The stakes are high in an area that covers big corporate players in a range of industry sectors – from mining and energy to manufacturing, financial services, technology and communication, real estate, retail and more – and now is the time to box smarter. 

“We’re taking stock and re-evaluating our strategy,” says White. “What is most important now is risk quality – there’s no risk occupancy that we wouldn’t consider writing, but it all hinges on a company’s commitment to risk improvement.” 

One of the biggest considerations for companies is the availability of funds for risk management. But in the “incredibly volatile” corporate insurance space, where claims can run into the hundreds of millions or even billions of rands, responsible insurers can’t compromise on risk management standards at the cost of reducing premiums. 

“Our reinsurers need to know that we’re managing clients’ risk adequately; after all, they carry a substantial portion of that risk. Equally, there is a need for us to work closely with brokers and their clients in order to mitigate risk and ensure comprehensive cover. 

“Hollard is always about the win-win-win: for policyholders, brokers and us. In this case, we go for the win-win-win-win, including our reinsurance partners in the equation.” 

Unlike many others, who seem to fall into the industry, White is a committed insurance professional who has been with Hollard since 2000. Indeed, apart from the industry qualifications she holds, she studied for a career in insurance, and is the holder of a BCom (Honours) degree in marketing and insurance. 

In her time at Hollard, she has worked in a number of capacities, including Risk Finance, Group New Business (which exposed her to all aspects of Hollard’s business) and corporate underwriting – all of which stands her in good stead for her current position. She was involved in the initial formation of Hollard Corporate, and prior to her new appointment, she was an underwriter in the Property and Energy team for more than five years. 

“All my focus has been on building external relationships. It’s always been about doing business in some way,” says White. 

Insurance, for her, is a fulfilling career in which she, as a young woman in an overwhelmingly male-dominated field, is flourishing. Hollard, which has provided her with “that scope and opportunity” to succeed, is her professional home. 

As an insurer, says White, Hollard is differentiated for several reasons: it is a South African firm; it is an independent insurance company; its financial strength – its ability to pay claims – is solid; and it has a strong African footprint. 

Hollard provides clients with a one-stop shop, offering a range of specialist products. Often, the Property and Energy CoE’s clientele are in the market with other insurance needs, providing opportunities for other CoEs – for example, those handling construction and engineering, marine, liabilities, motor and others – to contribute solutions. 

“While we do work in specialist silos, we cannot be insular. Very often, we’re in a position to offer our clients with a package of first-rate insurance covers,” says White.