Influential Women in Captive Insurance: Jenny Pooley
Jenny Pooley,Managing director and CEO, Strategic Risk Solutions (Cayman)
Jenny Pooley is a managing director and chief executive of the Strategic Risk Solutions (SRS) Cayman office, having joined SRS in 2010. Before SRS, Pooley worked for KPMG in London and then the Cayman Islands, working on commercial re/insurance and then captive insurance clients.
How did you get started in the captive insurance industry?
I was working for KPMG London in the insurance department, auditing commercial re/insurance companies, and learned that KPMG Cayman Islands was recruiting for its insurance department which focused on captives. I took the opportunity to live abroad and learn something new while staying in the insurance industry.
Who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?
Before joining SRS, I received advice to closely observe and learn from the managing directors at SRS Cayman. This proved to be invaluable advice. Their reputation for client service excellence and their extensive experience in the captive insurance industry made them valuable mentors. They have helped me develop as a professional and consistently provided me with opportunities to grow.
What do you think deters people from entering the world of captives?
The lack of awareness of the predominance of captive insurance and its potential for a wide range of career opportunities across different professional fields.
What challenges are gender-specific to women in the captives industry?
Progress has been made but generally women are still under-represented in leadership positions within the industry, with social and cultural factors contributing to this. Like many industries, more senior roles often involve business travel which can deter some women with family responsibilities.
“Organisations should also be mindful of unintentional gender bias.”
What solutions would you like to see?
If organisations are able to offer flexible working arrangements, this can be of significant benefit. I have been extremely fortunate to have benefited from this at SRS, allowing me to pursue my career path while fostering even deeper loyalty to SRS.
Organisations should also be mindful of unintentional gender bias as I believe that men and women approach work differently, but contribute unique and equally valuable skills and perspectives.
What are your ambitions?
I am committed to continuing the path I have started to forge, with the ultimate goal of achieving success comparable to that of other SRS leaders. My aim is to contribute to SRS’s success by maintaining a client-focused and employee-centric approach, promoting excellence, and nurturing a supportive environment for our team members.
Click here to read Captive International’s first Influential Women in Captive Insurance publication, celebrating the women transforming the captive sector through their sustained excellence and leadership.
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