Spotlight on Chris Murrell: Risk Managed Commercial Team

From Risk to Rockstar: Spotlight on Chris Murrell, Deputy Regional Underwriting Manager from our Risk Managed Commercial team

Chris brings a unique combination of expertise, dedication, and humour to his role as Deputy Regional Underwriting Manager in our Risk Managed Commercial team at Pen Underwriting. Whether it’s uncovering gaps in cover or simplifying complex risk solutions for brokers, Chris consistently delivers exceptional service and meaningful solutions.

In this interview, we explore Chris’s approach to risk management, his perspective on delivering great service, and his strategies for tackling challenging cases. And if he wasn’t a key member of our team? You’d likely find him on stage with a guitar in hand, channelling his inner rockstar!

Tell us a time your team's expertise saved the day?

During a new business enquiry, we conducted a detailed review and raised some important questions that hadn’t been considered previously. Through our discussions, we identified that the existing cover had been arranged on a basis that might not have responded as intended. We worked to arrange suitable cover, and the broker and client were highly appreciative of our proactive approach and the value we added in addressing a potential gap in their insurance.

In one sentence, what sets Pen Underwriting's Risk Managed team apart?

Our comprehensive risk management toolkit, Pen Risk Solutions, is included as part of all Risk Managed policies. We’re always encouraging brokers and clients to explore all that it can do. Learn more here: https://www.penrisksolutions.co.uk

What does “great service” mean to you?

Being responsive, communicative, and ensuring brokers have a positive experience, even when we can’t accommodate their enquiry.

What’s your go-to approach when a case is tricky?

Start with the most important thing…a strong coffee and then break the risk down into component parts, before working to overcome each difficult element, beginning with the most challenging.

What’s one small thing that makes a big difference to brokers?

Quick access to an underwriter over the phone - simple, efficient, and hassle-free. Brokers truly value the ease and efficiency of being able to connect directly with an underwriter without any unnecessary hurdles.

What makes working at Pen different from other insurers?

So simple, yet one of the most difficult things to get right and maintain, especially in a fast-growing organisation (often by way of acquisitions) - the people and culture.

What’s your top priority when supporting brokers?

Making the process as smooth as possible by ensuring that all aspects of our proposition -  specific to the client’s requirements and presented risk exposures - are brought out and highlighted to support their recommendation of Pen’s solution.

What’s one thing you always try to deliver on?

A promise, without fail

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Seeing a complex enquiry develop into a contract certain quotation, meeting all client requirements and getting instructions to go on cover.

Most used phrase at work?

It’s a good risk of its type 😊

Biggest office snack weakness?

Hot chocolate - and it would of course be rude not to accompany it with a biscuit or 4!

If you weren’t in insurance, what would you be doing?

Working as a musician – either as part of a band (guitarist) or session musician/songwriter

What’s your superpower on the team?

I make a great cup of tea and always have some humour on hand to lighten the mood when things are getting a bit heavy!

What is your guilty pleasure song?

Thinking of You by Sister Sledge

Office or home playlist: what song are you skipping, and what are you blasting?

Skipping anything that has made its way into my ‘most played’ playlist solely due to what my daughters have been listening to on their Alexa devices! Currently blasting Jimi Hendrix but have a very diverse taste in music, next up could be a bit of jazz to calm things down a bit!

What was your first-ever job?

Working as a chef at a local public house after leaving school, until I joined RSA as an SME Underwriter in 2004

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Paul Weller, seen him many times over the years and impossible to choose a best. Always on top form and a legend in the UK music landscape