Kathleen Creedon, Vice President of Marine Cargo at Falvey Insurance Group, recently had the opportunity to attend the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) Masterclass in Cargo Insurance. Taking place in London from October 15-18, this exclusive program delves into critical concepts such as Contracts of affreightment, international programmes, coverage extensions, CAT risks/accumulation & ESG and geopolitical aspects. In this interview, Kathleen shares her key takeaways and personal reflections from the IUMI Masterclass.
What were your thoughts on being selected for the IUMI Masterclass in Cargo Insurance, and how did you feel it would benefit your role?
I was absolutely thrilled to be selected. It made me feel seen and valued as a member of this extraordinary team of underwriters. As for the benefits to my role, I didn’t know what to expect, especially since we didn’t receive the curriculum until one week prior. That said, I was confident that no matter how long you’ve been underwriting, there’s always more to learn.
What were the most memorable moments or key takeaways from your experience?
The first thing that comes to mind is the tour of Lloyd’s of London. It was my first visit, and it was a thrilling experience. Beyond that, one of my key takeaways was noticing the regional differences in wording interpretations from my counterparts across the globe. It was fascinating to hear how underwriters in different regions approach their roles.
What was it like touring Lloyd’s of London, and how did it tie into the overall learning experience?
It was a thrill. Lloyd’s is an institution steeped in tradition, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. I walked away with far more insight into the marketplace than I had when I arrived. It truly added a deeper layer to the overall learning experience.
What did you learn in the class that you can apply to your day-to-day role?
I took a ton of notes, especially to see if the Falvey cargo policy contains any of the ‘no-nos’ cautioned against by some of the speakers. One key lesson: beware of coverage creep!
What advice would you give to others considering attending the IUMI Masterclass in Cargo Insurance?
Put your cell phones away! My advice is to pay attention, engage fully, and use every opportunity to network and chat with underwriters from around the world.
Any other thoughts?
I’m deeply honored to have been sent to the class, and I did my best to represent Falvey Insurance Group in the best way possible. It was a valuable experience, both personally and professionally.
Kathleen’s experience at the IUMI Masterclass highlights the invaluable learning opportunities that come from engaging with global counterparts and deepening technical expertise. Her experience emphasizes the importance of continued education in marine cargo insurance, aligning with Falvey’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional development and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
