Meet the team: Rosemary Cowley, Head of Claims

How did your career in insurance begin?

Whilst attending my last year at college it appeared the natural path was to look for a role in banking or insurance and I opted for insurance as it seemed more exciting than banking.

I started my career in underwriting at the Phoenix in Leeds before opting to take a position with Eagle Star and moving over to claims. During the 10 years before I started working in broking, I also spent time working for Commercial Union in various parts of the country and expanding my technical skills.

The experience I gained allowed me to transfer over to the broking side with confidence when I moved back to Yorkshire to settle down – I missed the rolling hills.

What brought you to JM Glendinning?

I worked at Towergate for several years, becoming head of claims in the Leeds office and then an opportunity arose to move to JM Glendinning, and I haven’t looked back since. I believe that whilst working for a smaller family run business we can provide a better service and I enjoy feeling that I can make a difference as part of an independent broker firm.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I enjoy meeting clients face-to-face and delivering a great service. I think you can only fully appreciate client needs when you have met with them in person and so I try to get out on visits as much as possible.

I lead an excellent team and thoroughly enjoy helping them to develop and realise their full potential. Working in claims is never boring, no two days are the same, and the variety it offers has allowed me to remain constantly challenged. I look forward each Sunday evening to what the following week will bring.

What’s the secret to your success?

Three things – positivity; the ability to adapt to change; and having (and supporting) the best team around me.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career?

Try working in different departments before specialising in one. Not only will it help you find the role that you find most fulfilling, but it will also provide a good grounding and understanding of the insurance industry as a whole.

What’s next for you at JM Glendinning?

The claims department has grown considerably in the four years I have worked at JM Glendinning. The business is further investing in the department and I expect my role will evolve whilst continuing to be challenging and rewarding.

What Claire Ellis, Group Operations & HR Director says:

“Rosemary has managed the claims team at JM Glendinning for four years. She cares immensely about her colleagues and clients and the service the claims team provides to our customers is a key priority for her. She nurtures junior colleagues with a leadership style which allows them to apply initiative, under her guidance. Rosemary is a real credit to the business.”