2023 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA
Karen Nordblom Global head of technical accounting
SiriusPoint Ltd.
Stockholm
Karen Nordblom did not plan on a career in insurance, but her rise through the ranks, from receptionist at Lloyd’s of London to global head of technical accounting at an international insurer, is testament to her personal qualities — ambition and a willingness to be bold.
Ms. Nordblom, a Canadian, moved to London after her first college degree and landed a temporary job at Lloyd’s while also completing her master’s thesis on corruption in the European Union. From there she worked her way to a permanent job as an analyst and then moved to the broker capital relations department.
After a variety of jobs at other insurers and brokers, in 2022 she joined Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer SiriusPoint’s Swedish office and oversaw the company’s $1.3 billion reinsurance loss portfolio transfer with Compre Group — an experience that she describes as “a rodeo and a half” as well as a “valuable learning curve”.
Since joining SiriusPoint, Ms. Nordblom has applied her skills to a number of transformational projects — restructuring the company’s offices, implementing new software and harmonizing processes. Her extensive and varied background in broking, accounting and software has been key.
“Her ongoing success demonstrates how valuable financial and technical skills are within the insurance industry and is an example to talent entering the industry of where and how they can thrive,” said Steve Yendall, SiriusPoint’s chief financial officer.
While her achievements might suggest that Ms. Nordblom is focused on structure and systems, it is people and their psychology that really interests her. “We spend so much time at work, we might as well enjoy it and I love what I do,” she said. “I have been lucky enough to have found the right environment to do that.”
Ms. Nordblom also has an important role in a partnership between SiriusPoint and nonprofit organization Yrkesdörren. Volunteers from SiriusPoint are matched with one person born outside Sweden who is looking to access the local job market.
“My advice is to look for opportunities, build your network and don’t be afraid to be bold,” she said.
Nicholas Pratt
