Berkley Specialty London is the trading name of W. R. Berkley Syndicate Management Limited and W. R. Berkley UK Limited.
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Our Executive Team is connected to every facet of our business and is focused on driving strategy and leading change. Through the combination of their diverse backgrounds and expertise, our business is understood, inclusive, and always looking to the future.
Type: Page
Our Executive Team is connected to every facet of our business and is focused on driving strategy and leading change. Through the combination of their diverse backgrounds and expertise, our business is understood, inclusive, and always looking to the future.
Type: Page
Q&A with Fiona Chrystal - Claims Operations Manager, , What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a person in leadership?, One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is that asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. The best leaders are the ones who stay curious and never stop learning. It’s easy to worry that asking a question in a meeting might make you look unprepared, but clarity is how we move forward. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. If you’re unsure, ask. Every…, What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in their career?, Too often, we hold back until we feel 100% confident, whether it’s going for a role, speaking up in a meeting or taking on a new challenge. But real growth happens when you make the move before everything feels certain. Trust that you’ll learn quickly, adapt as you go and rise to the opportunity. Progress doesn’t require perfection, just courage., What does International Women’s Day mean to you in one sentence?, For me, International Women’s Day is about honouring the women who have paved the way—whose strength and persistence opened the doors I’m fortunate enough to walk through today.
Q&A with Fiona Chrystal - Claims Operations Manager
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What makes Berkely Specialty London a supportive workplace?, I’ve been at Berkley Specialty London for over 10 years, and in that time I’ve consistently been given genuine opportunities to grow and to explore new areas. I started my career here as an Executive Assistant, and today I lead Marketing, Events and Communications for the business. That progression reflects how encouraging and supportive the environment is. , What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in their career?, Ask lots of questions! People are usually more than willing to share their knowledge, and curiosity is one of the fastest ways to grow. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes—and when you do, don’t try to cover them up - own them. Humility is a real strength. , What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a person in leadership?, The best leaders I’ve worked with use their voices and their seniority to advocate for others. I’ve seen genuinely positive change over the years—both within my workplace and across the wider market—and so much of that progress comes from those who choose to lift others up, create space, and push for fairness. Their example has taught me the importance of using whatever influence you have to…
What makes Berkely Specialty London a supportive workplace? I’ve been at Berkley Specialty London for over 10 years, and in that time I’ve consistently been given genuine opportunities to grow and to explore new areas.
Type: Blog post
Q&A with Joanna Smart, Head of Compliance, , What’s one opportunity that helped shape your career path?, Within a year or two of graduating I was mentored by a leader who specialised in Compliance. We only worked together for a year or so, but she instilled in me a passion for regulation, which 25 years later has proven to be the foundation of my career., , , What’s the best professional risk you’ve ever taken? , Changing roles. Those changes in role and the people I surround myself with have provided me with the most professional and personal growth. I’m excited to have joined Berkley Specialty London at the end of 2025 and to be working with inspirational women such as Natasha Grasso and Jacqui Hedges., , , What’s a book, podcast or film by a woman you’d recommend? , Women & Power by Mary Beard. It's a short introductory text, but also thought-provoking. Beard is a classist and examines the historical roots of women's role in society and how these connect to the climate we see today.
Q&A with Joanna Smart, Head of Compliance
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