2006 Women to Watch: Christine Dandridge
Atrium Underwriting P.L.C. Reprints
Executive Director
Atrium Underwriting P.L.C.
London
Age: 50
Christine Dandridge began her career at Lloyd’s of London in 1978 as a broker. She moved over to underwriting in 1980 and was named deputy underwriter of Atrium’s Syndicate 609 in 1984. She became active underwriter in 1997 and she has been a director of Atrium since 1986. Ms. Dandridge is currently a member of the Lloyd's Market Assn. Marine Committee and the Council of Lloyd's.
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "There were three people who influenced me: Sir David Rowland (former Chairman of Lloyd’s) who gave me my first job—but for him I would not be working in insurance at all; Ian Posgate (former Lloyd’s underwriter and former member of the Council of Lloyd’s) who I worked for in my first underwriting position—he was a brilliant negotiator; and lastly Mark Denby, the founder of Atrium Underwriting who proved that it’s possible to have integrity and still be successful in the London market."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "I would advise young women entering the industry to become professionally qualified as soon as they can—it gives you confidence and more knowledge than your contemporaries. Also learn to play golf—I never did but most of the men in the industry do business on the golf course!"
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "I think it would make for a healthier market if the bulk of the London market business were distributed by 10 brokers rather than three."
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