Howden Re’s Olivia Pullen recognised in Gracechurch’s 2024 London’s Leading Brokers Report

We’re proud to say that Olivia Pullen, Director of Terrorism and Political Violence, Howden Re was featured in Gracechurch’s 2024 London’s Leading Brokers Report. (https://www.gracechurchconsulting.co.uk/reports/london’s-leading-brokers)

The report, released annually, invites nominations for brokers by a representative cross section of underwriting peers. The complied results show the top-ranked individual brokers in the key classes of business and the bench strength of the broking houses.

This is the second year that the report has highlighted successful female brokers on the list who are role models in what the report acknowledges remains a male-dominated sector.

“While change is not happening quickly enough, last year seven women were featured in our business line rankings, compared to 12 this year – a new high,” details the report. This year, the report shows that the proportion of women nominated is at 19% as opposed to last year’s 18%.

“It is important for women to feel supported and acknowledged in what is still a male-dominated industry,” said Pullen. “Throughout my first 11 years, there has been positive change to see more women in leadership roles across the industry and I only hope this progresses even further over the next 11.”

Pullen began her career at legacy Howden Re company R K Harrison in the Terrorism and Political Violence team after completing her A Levels in 2013.

“I have predominantly specialised in offering solutions to clients in South Africa, facing tough market conditions in the aftermath of the Riots in July 2021,” said Pullen. “Our market has been challenging in recent years, but the team have overcome this to meet the needs of our clients whilst taking into consideration underwriter’s requirements.”

As a Terrorism and Political Violence director, Pullen said the team is dedicated to developing all talent through coaching courses and develop skills across the board, including managerial. Additionally, she recognises the importance of growing female representation within the industry.

Gracechurch’s report highlights that while there was a similar percentage of women nominated this year compared to last year, they expect to see an upward trend of women nominated in the future.