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2022 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA

Rebecca Tielemans CEO, BeLux

Marsh SA

Brussels

Rebecca Tielemans always knew she wanted to be an insurance broker, having watched her uncle from an early age.

She started work for a local broker in Belgium at 16, looking after personal lines and some small commercial accounts. “It confirmed what I already knew: Insurance broking was for me,” she said.

“I worked after school at the insurance brokerage and studied for my insurance exams. I know I was an exception in finding my path so young.”

Ms. Tielemans first joined Marsh more than 20 years ago, moving from personal lines clients to large corporations and discovered a fascinating world, she said.

“The b-to-b space is my natural world,” she said.

After a few years at Marsh, she opened her own brokerage. Four years later she sold it and became a consultant, before taking on a variety of other positions. She returned to Marsh in 2017 and took on her current role in 2020.

Ms. Tielemans still has some dreams left to fill, including working in London, but as CEO for Marsh in Belgium and Luxembourg she feels exceptionally lucky.

“Rebecca’s natural drive and inspirational leadership, combined with a solid and determined personality, is changing possibilities into reality for everyone in the organization,” said Annick Janssen, HR director for Marsh BeLux.

Gilbert Van den Eynde, chairman of the board of Marsh Belgium SA, said, “Her leadership style and personality create an atmosphere where others around her want to follow and perform to the highest expectations. Rebecca’s work ethic is second to none, and she leads the organization every day by example.”

The return to Marsh coincided with her second marriage, and Ms. Tielemans said her family keeps her grounded and happy. Her eldest son Andries, who is 24, is combining his studies with the launch of his own brewing company, and her 9-year old Louis gives her energy, she said.

“We went camping this year and it has triggered a desire to become more adventurous, so we’re off as a family to Lapland next February,” she said.