2006 Women to Watch: Inga K. Beale
Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST
Chief Executive Officer
Converium Holdings Ltd.
Zurich, Switzerland
Age: 43
Inga K. Beale was named chief executive of Converium in February 2006, She started her reinsurance career working as an underwriter specializing in reinsurance at U.K.-based insurer Prudential Assurance Co. In 1992, she joined GE Insurance Solutions where she headed up the U.K. underwriting team. In 2001, Ms. Beale took on the role of global underwriting audit leader at GEIS in Overland Park, Kan., before becoming global underwriting co-leader in 2002. In 2003 she assumed responsibility for GEIS property/casualty business throughout continental Europe, Middle East and Africa. In 2004 she was appointed president and chairman of GE Frankona Re in Munich, Germany.
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "A mentor from the industry, a woman now retired, who spent time with me—mainly listening but who also shared her experiences with me. She gave me the confidence to pursue my career as, through spending time with her, I realized that most of us go through very similar development patterns. Sometimes you have periods of self-doubt but this is quite normal and by just believing in your own ability, you will succeed."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "Keep an open mind and keep on learning. Although it may not feel it at the time, you will get stronger and more confident from any knock-backs you may get during your career—learn from them. Above all, always remain true to your own unique brand."
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "Let's put ‘service’ back into the business and be proud to be the service business that we strive to be by putting the customer first."