UNISONTIMESHAMBURG | GERMANY | FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2018 | INDEPENDENCE DAY EDITION 2018
ABOUT THELOCATION
SPONSORS& SPEAKERS
NETWORKINGEVENTS
3 6 19
02
We are delighted to share with you
the IDC special edition of our
unisonTimes shortly before our
upcoming Independence Day Conference
in Havana starts.
Within this publication, we would like to
express our sincerest gratitude to our
sponsors who, despite all the adversities
all of us had and still have to face when
organising the conference, have sup-
ported us with their generous sponsor-
ship and interesting speeches. Moreover,
several speakers from the insurance, IT
and geophysical industries will make their
insightful contributions to the 4 different
sessions we defined for our conference
program. Details on our sponsors and
speakers can be found in this edition.
The IDC 2018, with regard to contents,
focuses on the first results of our relatively
young partnership with the Australian
Steadfast Group, which we only estab-
lished about one year ago.
With the South American and the Carib-
bean regions being a major target of natural
disasters, we will intensively deal with this
subject, its geophysical background as
well as with the catastrophes themselves
– we will have a first-hand field report –
and possible prevention measures.
“Blockchain” has recently gained more and
more importance. However, especially
midsize companies do not have the finan-
cial means to invest millions in this new
and promising technology. Therefore, we,
unisonSteadfast, would like to present a
possible solution to overcome this enor-
mous hurdle together. Our new strategic
partner iXledger is a leading innovator and
a key component of this project.
Last but not least, it is always our objective
to mutually define new sales approaches.
Therefore, the last part of our conference
will focus on this project. Exclusive prod-
ucts of an insurance carrier, international
sub-networks, know-how centers as well
as new co-operation concepts with rein-
surers shall exemplify novel opportunities.
Needless to say, the more enjoyable part
will not be missed out this year. Polina
Balko and her team have again done a
magnificent job to make this upcoming
conference an unforgettable moment for
all of us.
We are confident that our conference in
Cuba will, in spite of all difficulties in the
planning, will become a memorable event
– especially with regard to the already
visible changes and developments within
the country, which might no longer exist
in its current form in the future. May all of
the 170 participants have some wonderful,
informative and also, of course, success-
ful days in Havana.
Yours
Wolfgang Mercier
PROLOGUE
Dear Members and Business Partners,
03
Close your eyes for a moment and
imagine your surroundings: waves
crashing in the sea, against a wall
of moss; a young couple dancing in a pic-
turesque alley, in old town Havana; guitars
and voices harmonising over a synco-
pated drum rhythm; a handsome man in
a guayabera shirt, observing tourists with
Hemingway beards; the sight and sound
of vintage cars; Che Guevara on a bill-
board; a banknote; a key-ring; a t-shirt…
Welcome to Havana!
This confounding capital, a mix of past
and present, freedom and restriction, has
come alive with new energy and ingenuity.
Havana is no longer frozen in time, at
least not completely. With Cuba’s guarded
openness to private enterprise grabbing
hold, classic American cars and salsa sing-
ers now share the cityscape with new and
inventive offerings in food, culture, night
life and hospitality. No other city in Latin
America, or perhaps the world, can claim
to be having just the kind of moment that
Havana is experiencing now after so many
decades gasping for change.
For visitors, the capital is a mash-up of
past and present, tradition and moder-
nity. It’s a city of architectural decay, but
also creativity, where artists have turned a
defunct cooking-oil factory into a perfor-
mance space, bar and music venue that
on any given night makes Brooklyn look
as cool as a suburban Ikea.
It’s a city where finding ingredients for a
stellar menu requires feats of Promethean
ingenuity; where opera is subversive, and
kitschy too; and where the Internet is just
arriving.
We invite you to make your own Havana
experience: Explore the streets in Old
Havana, taste the “best daiquiri in the
world” at Hemingway’s favorite bar, have a
ride in an amazing 1950’s convertible car,
learn how the world famous Cuban cigars
are made, watch the cannon fire at 9 p.m.
and walk along El Malecon at sunset –
the days you will spend in this mysterious,
exotic and vibrant city will be your most
unforgettable ones!
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Havana – Between socialism and sensuality
Sources: www.kempinski.com/en/havana/gran-hotel- kempinski-la-habana/; www.nytimes.com/
04
Cuba is a land of diversity. From
the green hills and tobacco plan-
tations of Viñales to its heavenly
Caribbean beaches; the quaint alleys
of Trinidad to the hustle and bustle of
Havana and Santiago, Cuba has some-
thing for everyone and enough to keep
visitors enchanted for a lifetime.
Landscape
Cuba is a tropical island with a stunning
Caribbean coast. Off the coast of some
beaches you can visit healthy coral reefs.
Rolling hills, tobacco farms, and pine for-
ests characterize inland Cuba. The moun-
tains of Sierra de los Órganos are to the
west, and the mountains of Sierra Maestra
rise in the Southeast. Small islands sur-
round Cuba, the largest of which is Isla de
La Juventud. You’ll find mangrove forests
along much of the coast, including along
the southern islands.
Cities to visit
Viñales
In total contrast to Cuba’s capital, Viñales
is a laid back, lush green area of beautiful
hills and old plantations, not forgetting a
coast with some of the best diving on the
island. See a more traditional side to Cuban
life in this western province.
Trinidad
Catapult yourself back in time to the
colonial gem of Trinidad! Now a UNESCO
heritage town, it‘s amazingly photogenic.
Wander through winding, cobbled streets,
visit hidden old churches and stay in the
onetime homes of the Spanish gentry
who thrived on the local sugar industry.
And let’s not forget, Trinidad is home to
some of the best music salons on the
island!
Santiago de Cuba
Once a revolutionary hotbed, Santiago
has long been known as a thriving melt-
ing pot. African-Caribbean influences are
clear in the local culture, the July carnival
is one of the biggest in the Caribbean and
the intriguing Santeria Voodoo belief sys-
tem is ever present. Santiago is also known
as the birthplace of music such as Son and
Salsa, so you’re sure to experience some
explosive dance moves!
Cuba – Destination Inspiration
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Culture and Traditions
Cuba is known for its cultural diversity,
built from Spanish, African, French and
Asian influences. Whether in literature
or fine art, film, ballet, modern dance or
theatre – the island has produced nu-
merous famous artists in many different
disciplines. Naturally, Cuban music must
also be mentioned. The island is the birth-
place of such intoxicating rhythms as the
Danzón, the Son, the Bolero, the Mambo
and the Cha Cha Cha.
Source:www.statravel.co.uk/cuba-destination-inspiration.htm
05 AGENDA
Agenda of the Conference
TUESDAY | JUNE 12 | CONFERENCE DAY 1
WEDNESDAY | JUNE 13 | CONFERENCE DAY 2
unisonSteadfast network development
+ Welcome Speech, Wolfgang Mercier, President and CEO,
unisonSteadfast AG
+ New members of the network, Rolf Diekhoff,
Director Account Management and Administration,
unisonSteadfast AG
+ uniNet 2.0., Muriel Mercier, Head of Business Organisation,
unisonSteadfast AG
+ Realize your potential, Robert Kelly, Managing Director
and CEO, Steadfast Group
+ London Market Opportunity, Simon Lightbody, CEO,
Steadfast Underwriting Agencies
The future of the insurance broker in a digital age
+ Blockchain – Infrastructure of the future?,
Tim Bansemer, Founder and Blockchain Consultant,
Jacob Eberhardt, Blockchain Researcher and Consultant,
Martin Hoffmann, Senior IT Consultant and Partner,
inblock.io
+ Reinventing insurance with industry platforms,
blockchains and AI, Lee-Han Tjioe, Vice President and
Partner, Insurance Industry Leader, IBM Global Business
Services – Keynote Speaker
+ Utmost good faith through blockchain technology,
Ingemar Svensson, Founder and CEO,
Andrew Hodgett, Senior Broker and Product Director,
iXledger
Natural catastrophes and their impact on our industry
+ In the eye of the storm: First-hand field report,
Simon Owen, President and CEO, Hyperion Risk Solutions
+ Science of Extreme Weather, Prof. Adam H. Sobel,
Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University
of Columbia, USA / AXA Research Fund – Keynote Speaker
+ Munich Re NatCat Intelligence, Robert Huber,
Senior Manager B2B Engagement, Munich Re
+ Sustainability @ Zurich, Alban Laloum,
Global Broker Relationship Leader, Zurich Insurance Ltd.
– Keynote Speaker
Market Place
+ Cyber: Innovation and a Partnership Approach,
Jonathan Smith, International Head of Distribution,
Aspen Insurance – Keynote Speaker
+ Re-Insurance: New Market for unisonSteadfast members,
Robert Huber, Senior Manager B2B Engagement,
Munich Re
Strategic Council practice groups
+ Future Network Strategy: Increasing competitiveness
in growth industries – like Global Logistics Creating a
Logistics Broker Network (LBN), Peter Kollatz, Managing
Director, OSKAR SCHUNCK GmbH & Co. KG
+ Wind Energy – a Global Business Opportunity?,
Thomas Haukje, Managing Partner, NW Assekuranz
06
We would like to express
our sincere gratitude to
all of our sponsors:
With your support, we have been
able to plan our Independence Day
Conference in the wonderful Gran
Hotel Manzana Kempinski. We are
very much looking forward to seeing
you in Havana.
Platinum
Sponsor:
Gold
Sponsors:
Dear unisonSteadfast members,
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) and unisonSteadfast have worked together over a
number of years to support the development of international opportunities for your
clients in your local markets.
Through our collaboration we have formed close relationships with many of you by
attending and presenting at unisonSteadfast events, sharing insights and best practice,
and by hosting sessions that have brought our organisations closer together. We are
therefore delighted to once again be given the opportunity to reinforce these relationships
with you at the unisonSteadfast 2018 Independence Day Conference in Havana, Cuba.
Havana is a city known for many things, one of which is its focus on sustainable agricul-
ture and new farming concepts driven by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, one of
its key trading partners. This brought about a rapid change in thinking that resulted in the
revolutionary concept of “organoponics”, a new approach to sustainable urban farming.
Therefore, we are delighted to have Alban Laloum, Global Broker Relationship Leader
(Zurich Commercial Insurance) present to you on Tuesday, June 12th, about how the
changes in the current global environment are making Zurich change the way it thinks
about sustainability. Alban’s Sustainability @ Zurich session will provide you with an
overview of Zurich’s commitment to sustainability and what this practically means from
a corporate and underwriting perspective. We hope that you will enjoy this keynote
speech from Alban, and we are grateful for any feedback.
We hope you find this session valuable, and if you would like to discuss any of the content
in more detail, please reach out to us using the details below.
Yours faithfully,
SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
Note of thanks
Zurich and unisonSteadfastbuilding relationships and sharing insights to help you manage risk worldwide
Jonathan Newbery
Head of Broker Strategy and Execution
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +44 (0) 787 588 8341
Dimitrios Mazarakis
Broker Strategy and Distribution Manager
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +44 (0) 787 588 7131
STRAIGHTFORWARD PROTECTION FOR
COMPLEX PROJECTS.
Our team of construction experts give you peace of mind when protecting your physical and financial assets on large and complex projects. By working internationally, we can provide you with solutions that cover a broad range of construction risks wherever your project is.
SEARCH FOR ‘ZURICH CONSTRUCTION SERVICES’ ON LINKEDIN.
ZURICH INSURANCE.FOR THOSE WHO TRULY LOVE THEIR BUSINESS.
This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through subsidiaries within the Zurich Insurance Group, as in the US, Zurich American Insurance Company, 1400 American Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60196, in Canada, Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, 100 King Street West, Suite 5500, PO Box 290, Toronto,ON M5X 1C9, and outside the US and Canada, Zurich Insurance pic, Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4, Ireland (and its EEA branches), Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Zurich Australian Insurance Limited, 5 Blue St., North Sydney, NSW 2060 and further entities, as required by local jurisdiction. Certain coverages are not available in all countries or locales. In the US, risk engineering services are provided by The Zurich Services Corporation.
08 SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
AXA RESEARCH FUND
Prof. Adam H. Sobel
Prof. of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Adam Sobel is a professor at Columbia
University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Ob-
servatory and Fu Foundation School of
Engineering and Applied Sciences. He is
an atmospheric scientist who specializes
in the dynamics of climate and weather,
particularly in the tropics, on time scales
of days to decades.
A major focus of his current research is
extreme events – such as hurricanes,
tornadoes, floods, and droughts, and the
risks these pose to human society in the
present and future climate. He leads the
Columbia University Initiative on Extreme
Weather and Climate.
Sobel has received the Meisinger Award
from the American Meteorological Society,
the Excellence in Mentoring Award from
the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of
Columbia University, an AXA Award in Ex-
treme Weather and Climate from the AXA
Research Fund, and an Ascent Award from
the Atmospheric Sciences Section of the
American Geophysical Union.
Sobel is author or co-author of over
135 peer-reviewed scientific articles, and
his book about Hurricane Sandy, Storm
Surge, published in October 2014 by
Harper-Collins, received the 2014 Atmo-
spheric Science Librarians International
Choice Award in the popular category and
the 2016 Louis J. Battan Award from the
American Meteorological Society.
Source: AXA Research Fund
ZURICH INSURANCE LTD.
Alban Laloum
Global Broker Relationship Leader
Alban Laloum joined Zurich as Global
Broker Relationship Leader in December
2013. In this role Alban is responsible for
the strategic relationship management
with a Global Broker across Zurich busi-
nesses. He is a member of Zurich’s Global
Customer & Distribution leadership team.
He ensures Zurich and the Global Broker
are aligned around segments, geographies
and lines of business. He has co-led the
Distribution Upskilling project, led the de-
velopment of a value proposition with a
Global Broker enhancing the Zurich Client
Promise.
He has built relationships with Global
Brokers’ senior leaders around the world.
Alban also is the business lead for My
Zurich for Brokers. He was a member of
the Cyber Project team in NA.
Furthermore, Alban has 26 years’ experience
as a broker, working at several renowned
broking companies in Paris, New York and
Chicago, and broad Risk Management
and Sales Management know-how.
Source: Zurich Insurance Ltd.
Easy to do business : at AXA we speak your language, with simple solutions and decisions taken locally.
Knowledge and Expertise : our SME and Mid-market clients benefit from our knowledge of local markets, regulations and practices.
Mid-market customers : specific focus on the needs of mid-market
clients with empowered local teams ready to find the right solution for you.
AXA INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
Here,there,
protecting you everywhere your business takes you
10 SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
IXLEDGER
Ingemar Svensson
Founder and CEO
Before founding iXledger, Ingemar was the
CTO of Risk and Valuation at SunGard Asset
Management. His experience ranges from
managing large organisations to hands-on
software development. Ingemar has spent
20 years building mission critical systems
in various roles at Bank of America Merrill
Lynch, Barclays Capital, Lehman Brothers
and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance.
Source: iXledger
Andrew Hodgett
Senior Broker and Product Director
Andrew was a Lloyd’s Insurance Broker with
experience in various classes of business
including marine cargo, specie, personal
accident, political risk and was instrumental
to the design of a special insurance against
physical loss of Private Bitcoin Keys.
Source: iXledger
ASPEN INSURANCE
Jonathan Smith
International Head of Distribution
Jonathan heads up International Distribu-
tion at Aspen Insurance, based in London.
He manages the relationship strategy with
Aspen Insurance’s major broking and distri-
bution partners. The distribution team sup-
ports Aspen’s industry-leading underwriters
across 12 global specialty product lines, en-
hancing and strengthening their relation-
ships and identifying sustainable growth
opportunities. His focus includes working
with Aspen Insurance’s partners at Digital
Risk Resources in offering innovative bolt-
on Cyber insurance products to brokers,
mutuals and other insurers. Previously Jon-
athan worked for global broking houses, as
a broker and in a corporate capacity, leading
broking placement strategies across EMEA
and latterly building out Communication,
Technology and Media broking businesses
in Europe and Asia. He also spent time living
in the United States working on the merg-
er of two major broking houses. Jonathan
holds a MA from the University of Durham
and a BA from the University of Exeter where
his studies concentrated on Middle Eastern
and European politics and economics.
Source: Aspen Insurance
360° THINKING aspen-insurance.com
INTELLIGENCEIS OUR BUSINESS
iXledger: Utmost good faith just adopted a whole new meaning: Blockchain technology
In early 2017, a team of seasoned entrepreneurs came together in London and founded iXledger. Having spent decades successfully building global businesses in FinTech, InsurTech and internet industries, they were inspired to launch iXledger through their work and interaction with senior insurance executives, who consistently expressed a shared need and desire for improvement of strategic processes.
Different from most IT firms, the iXledger team does not only consist of accomplished technologists, but also includes seasoned insurance professionals with a diversity of experience across the entire field of insurance, i.e. retail broking, wholesale/ reinsurance broking and underwriting. This well-balanced mix of knowledge and expertise allows us to design solutions from the perspective of the day-to-day user, not the technologist.
Headquartered in London with offices in New York and Singapore, iXledger has the geographical spread and relationships with all major insurance markets that enables us to create solutions that include the “best of all worlds”.
SolutionsiXledger leverages blockchain technology to create innovative, next generation solutions for the insurance industry that offer all participants consistent, shared and secure processes that increase efficiency, reduce costs and have the potential to grow revenue and loyalty by enhancing customer engagement.
Our technology leverages the Ethereum blockchain which makes it easier for external developers wishing to contribute without having to familiarise themselves with yet another blockchain implementation.
Market PlaceIt is the vision of iXledger to build a comprehensive, truly open and transparent market place where all stakeholders in the insurance industry can collaborate to create an efficient insurance purchasing process. Stakeholders include all parties in the entire process chain, from customers and their brokers to re-insurers and also includes other service providers such as loss adjusters.
Increased efficiencies open up possibilities for new product lines such as on-demand and micro-insurance.
Insurance LifecycleManaging the lifecycle of an insurance policy can be tedious, time-consuming and full of unnecessary and duplicated paperwork increasing the risk of errors.
iXledger is working closely with partners to create solutions to make this process faster, more secure and more efficient.
From enquiry to reinsurance placements and claims settlement. From premium to claim payments. The iXledger solution improves access to and management of data, claims and other relevant information.
No more lengthy payment terms and time-consuming bordereaux. With the iXledger platform you get informed and paid instantly.
Professional NetworkDespite the introduction of technology, the insurance industry is still very much a people’s business where relationships matter.
iXledger specialised insurance networking platform connects insurance professionals from across the world, with different backgrounds, expertise and interests, who can share information with each other.
Quickly find the right expertise and services you require, then use our tools to work together. Chat, collaborate on contracts or wordings, negotiate terms, all safe in the knowledge that your information is permanently stored and auditable
iXledger: unisonSteadfast Technology partnerWe are excited that a respected global insurance organ-isation such as unisonSteadfast has recognised the capabilities of iXledger and has appointed us as Blockchain Technology partner of the network.
In the initial phase of our partnership, we will focus on the design and implementation of solutions for membership management, professional networking and knowledge sharing.
In the following phases, we aim to add solutions for client management, collaborative placement and insurers management as well as localised online broking platforms.
More informationIf you wish to learn more about iXledger and our solutions, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.ixledger.com.
13
Martin Hoffmann
Senior IT Consultant and Partner
Working as a senior IT Consultant and
Manager Projects in leading global com-
panies, Martin Hoffmann has gained pro-
ject experience in international virtual and
on-site teams. As a strong result- and
solution-focused team player, he success-
fully held different positions as a Scrum
Master, Project Manager and Consultant,
providing IT solutions and design IT ar-
chitecture. With regard to his extensive
know-how and experience, he focuses
on Blockchain, BI and MDM technology
integration for medium-sized businesses
and enterprises.
After graduating from Leuphana University
of Lüneburg, where he studied Business
Information Systems, he has continuously
improved his professional, methodical and
analytical skills in the highlighted technol-
ogies. Thus, his involvement in the realiza-
tion of innovative and ambitious projects
within any industry will benefit from his
experience and lead to persuasive results.
Source: Martin Hoffmann
SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
Jacob Eberhardt
Blockchain Researcher and Consultant
Jacob Eberhardt is an active researcher
with multiple scientific publications in the
field of blockchain technologies. He’s a
PhD candidate at TU Berlin and regular
speaker at Blockchain events, e.g., the
Ethereum DevCon and the Ethereum
Community Conference.
In his research, he’s striving to improve
blockchain privacy and scalability and to
enable new use cases based on the re-
sults. In this context, he leads a research
project with the Ethereum Foundation on
zero-knowledge proofs and also helps
blockchain-based projects on their way to
success by providing technical expertise.
Source: Jacob Eberhardt
INBLOCK.IO
Tim Bansemer
Founder and Blockchain Consultant
After completing his training as a systems
integration IT specialist, and a year as a
self- employed IT service provider, Tim
Bansemer was promoted as one of 20 in-
ternational young talents as part of a Top
Talent Program at Check Point Software
Technologies in 2014. As an Associate
Security Engineer, Tim Bansemer advised
clients throughout Germany with a tech-
nological focus on securing the customer
infrastructure against hacker attacks and
security incidents. Tim Bansemer worked
for Kaspersky Labs as a Technical Account
Manager in 2017 before moving back to
self-employment as an independent IT
security consultant.
In 2017, Tim Bansemer has dedicated
himself to Blockchain Technology. He has
been the initiator of conferences such as
the German “Blockchain-Symposium des
Behördenspiegels” as well as international
conferences such as the World Summit
on Distributed Governance in Athens. He
initiated further events such as "Block-
chain for Society" in Hamburg, Berlin,
Leipzig and Amsterdam. He is a speaker at
international conferences and the founder
of two companies, inblock.io LABS and
inblock.io EVENTS, which are both active
in the blockchain industry. Tim Bansemer's
focus is on blockchain governance and
secure critical infrastructure.
Source: Tim Bansemer
Combining local know-how with global reach
World’s largest Property and
Casualty insurer
Global leader in credit insurance
Leading strategic partner to
the automotive industry
Worldwide leader in travel insurance
and assistance services
Among the top 5 Life/Health insurers
worldwide
Among the top 5 active asset managers worldwide
countries
About Allianz GroupTogether with its customers and sales partners, Allianz is oneof the strongest financial communities. More than 85 million private and corporate customers insured by Allianz rely on our knowledge, global reach, capital strength and solidity to help them make the most of financial opportunities and to avoid and safeguard themselves against risks. Around 142,000 employees in 70 countries work to ensure that our customers are at the heart of everything we do and experience superior value whenever dealing with us.
Allianz Cross Border Business SolutionsOur Allianz entities and 140 selected network partners around the world are committed to offer tailor-made insurance solutions across the entire P&C segment for midmarket companies operating on a global scale. Thanks to our large international network we are a truly global partner with strength, stability, technical expertise and service excellence protecting our clients’ worldwide business operations. Please contact your local Allianz representative or [email protected]
selected network partners
million private & corporate
customers
thousand employees
15
NW ASSEKURANZ
Thomas Haukje
Managing Partner
Qualifications/Experience:
+ 25 years of experience in engineering
insurance
+ Insurance Professional and Bachelor of
Business (Insurance)
+ German post-graduate program “on-
shore wind studies”.
+ International renowned expert in the re-
newable energy industry – wind power
experience includes acting as a key risk
and insurance advisor to several turbine
manufacturers and their key suppliers
and global acting project developers
on- and offshore for two decades
+ Expert in the construction and energy
industry
+ Held various positions in marketing,
customer service, product development
and with the board
+ "Early Bird" for insurance solutions for
offshore windfarms
+ 10 years of experience with an industrial
insurer in Germany
+ 7 years of experience with international
industrial insurance brokers
+ Since 2008, Managing Partner of Nord-
west Assekuranzmakler GmbH & Co.
KG (NWA)
+ Since 2010, Managing Partner of the
Lampe & Schwartze Group
Source: NW Assekuranz
SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
OSKAR SCHUNCK GMBH & CO. KG
Peter Kollatz
Managing Director
Born in 1961, he is a lawyer since 1999;
Until the end of 2016, he held various po-
sitions at SCHUNCK, most recently as a
member of the management board.
Since January 1, 2017, he has been the
Managing Director of Oskar Schunck
GmbH & Co. KG and responsible for the
departments Operations, International,
Legal and Claims at the Schunck Group’s
headquarters in Munich.
Since August 1, 2011 he has been Man-
aging Director of claimSECUR GmbH, the
SCHUNCK subsidiary for claims settlement,
and since January 1, 2018 also Managing
Director of ATRALOsecur GmbH (MGA /
Underwriting Agent for Transport und
Logistics).
In addition, he has been responsible for
the development and expansion of the
Schunck subsidiary in Spain for a period
of more than 15 years.
He is a co-author of numerous commen-
taries and publications on forwarding,
transport and insurance law, including
the Munich Commentary on the Insur-
ance Contract Act (VVG) and the Practical
Handbook on transport law, both pub-
lished by Beck Verlag.
Source: OSKAR SCHUNCK GmbH & Co. KG
MUNICH RE
Robert Huber
Senior Manager B2B Engagement
Robert Huber is Senior Manager B2B
Engagement at Munich Re‘s Risk Manage-
ment Partners, a newly founded business
segment which develops Munich Re ex-
pertise into Risk Management tools and
solutions and delivers these to a broad
range of industries. Prior to his new role,
Robert was Munich Re’s Senior Broker
Manager at the group’s London office from
2008 to 2017, developing broker-sourced
business as well as addressing all over-
arching strategic aspects of the broker
channel of distribution.
Robert’s other previous positions include
Client Manager Reinsurance at Munich
Re in London, Underwriter & Commercial
Manager in the London Market at SOVAG
UK, Consultant & Broking for Captive
Services at Munich Re in Munich, and
Insurance Broker at J. Reindl Versiche-
rungs makler GmbH. Robert holds an
MBA from Catholic University Eichstätt-
Ingolstadt, an M.A. from University of
Augsburg, as well as the degree of Ver-
sicherungskaufmann, the German vo-
cational insurance degree, which he
acquired at Aachen Münchener Ver-
sicherung AG in Munich.
Source: Munich Re
We listen carefully to your needs. We respond quickly. And you can count on us for straightforward answers. At Allied World, we earn your trust. That’s something to build on.
www.awac.com
Coverage will be underwritten by an insurance subsidiary of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH, a Fairfax company. Such subsidiaries currently carry an A.M. Best rating of “A” (Excellent), a Moody’s rating of “A3” (Good) and a Standard & Poor’s rating of “A-” (Strong). Coverage is offered only through licensed agents and surplus lines brokers. Actual coverage may vary and is subject to policy language as issued. © Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, GmbH. All Rights Reserved.
Insurance & Reinsurance. Straight up.
Your trust. It’s our
most valuable
asset.
AlliedWorld_YourTrust_A4_FullBleed.indd 1 5/24/18 9:35 AM
17 SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
HYPERION RISK SOLUTIONS
Simon Owen
President and CEO
Simon Owen has worked in the financial
services sector for over 20 years, special-
ising in the structuring and management
of captive insurance companies and rein-
surance vehicles. Prior to founding Hyper-
ion Risk Solutions Limited, Simon worked
in the Lloyd's insurance market for over a
decade, latterly in the new business devel-
opment division of a leading international
reinsurance intermediary.
Simon is the Principal / CEO of Hyperion
Risk Solutions and Hyperion Insurance
Management group of companies and a
shareholder/director of Ensurion W.L.L., a
long-established insurance management
practice based in the Middle East. He is also
the founder of Aequitas International Man-
agement Ltd., a licensed Cayman Islands
company manager and fiduciary services
practice that assists in the formation of
corporate entities, investment funds, SPVs
and other financial services licensees.
He currently serves as a board member
of the British Chamber of Commerce in
Panama, is a past Chairman of the BVI
Association of Insurance Managers, and
has served as a member of various other
financial services committees. Simon is
an accredited member of the Society of
Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a
regular speaker at international finance
and insurance events.
Having lived in and established numerous
businesses throughout the Latin American
and Caribbean region during the past
15 years, Simon has significant experience
in relation to the region’s exposure to
hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural
disasters.
Source: Hyperion Risk Solutions
IBM GLOBAL BUSINESS SERVICES
Lee-Han Tjioe
Vice President and Partner
Insurance Industry Leader
Lee-Han Tjioe works as a senior consult-
ing partner in mature and developing mar-
kets for insurance companies on matters
like digital and core insurance transforma-
tion. Through his work he has acquired
a worldwide perspective on successful
practices and innovations in insurance.
He has been leading various financial ser-
vices consulting practices in Europe and
Asia. Key personal focus of Lee-Han is on
working with clients on defining and real-
izing new market strategies in the financial
services industry.
He is currently responsible for the Euro-
pean insurance industry practice for IBM
Global Business Services. He is a regu-
lar speaker on insurance conferences
for senior leadership. Lee-Han can be
reached via https://www.linkedin.com/
in/lee-han-tjioe-3391712/.
Source: IBM Global Business Services
www.generaliglobalcorporate.com
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WE SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE
19
History and Havana go hand in hand.
The name “Havana” conjures im-
ages of Spanish conquistadors,
revolutionary heroes, and the literati and
glitterati who once basked on these sun-
splashed shores.
Today, the fascinating history of Cuba’s
capital awaits travelers at every twist
and turn; in the cobbled streets of Old
Havana, in the beautiful Cuban Baroque
buildings, the historic forts, museums,
legendary restaurants, and lively public
squares.
Experience Cuba’s vibrant capital city
with the best local guides who will show
you all what the city is famed for, as well
as a few hidden gems, allowing you to
gain a true sense of Havana’s remarkable
cultural identity.
The El Surtidor Pool Terrace and Bar
of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
is the place to be when in Havana.
It is a spectacle of its own kind to be at the
panoramic pool terrace, where the city
views and the infinity pool becomes one.
Modern lighting and contemporary furnish-
ing is a contrast between the luxury and
the ancient but captivating Old Havana in
front of guest eyes.
Experience premium cocktails, the great
Cuban rhythms and an exceptional view
over the city in a magic sunset atmosphere.
NETWORKING EVENTS
Guided Sightseeing Tour Discover Havana – a fiesta for all senses
Welcome Drink at Havana’s most spectacular roof terrace
20
The majestic Grand Theater of
Havana, a mecca of performing
arts in Cuba and one of the archi-
tectural icons of the city opens its doors
exclusively for the unisonSteadast com-
munity. Named to honor the Cuban
prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso,
which is described to be „one of the most
important women in Cuban history“, the
theater is a true jewel in Havana‘s crown,
Cuba‘s cultural treasure and national
pride. We invite you to experience the
exceptionally elegant and glamorous side
of the Cuban culture. Curtain up for the
one-of-a-kind event at the most spectac-
ular venues of the Cuban capital!
The history of the theater on Prado Street
begins in 1836 when Miguel Tacón was
appointed captain general of Cuba and
made a royal request to build the play-
house, which was approved two years
later. The Grand Theater of Havana, which
is now the oldest active theatrical institu-
tion in Latin America, was inaugurated
on February 18, 1838, under the name of
Grand Theater of Tacón. Within no time,
thanks to the magnificence of its spectacle
halls and the celebrity of the artists that were
presented there, its fame transcended the
frontiers of the island.
After several reformations, both in its fa-
cade as well as in its interior, the building
was remodeled to lead the way to its cur-
rent appearance. In its history, it has been
known by other names, such as Grand
National Theater, Estrada Palma Theater
and García Lorca Theater.
In 1915, the Theater reopened its doors in
the current building, in an opera season
offered by important representatives of
the lyrical art of the time. At present, it
constitutes one of the most magnificent
architectural exponents in the Cuban cap-
ital. Since its foundation, the most not-
ed foreign figures and ballet companies,
opera and drama have performed in the
Gala Dinner – The Grand Theater of Havana “Alicia Alonso”
NETWORKING EVENTS
21
scenarios of this Theater, dancers such as
Fanny Elssler and Ana Pávlova; actresses
Sara Bernhardt and Eleonora Duse; singers
Enrico Caruso, Titta Rufo, Victoria de los
Ángeles and Teresa Berganza; the Kirov
Ballet of Leningrad and the XX Century
Ballet of Maurice Béjart; as well as the
great French mime Marcel Marceau.
Excellent personalities of the music such
as pianists Serguei Rachmáninov, Arthur
Rubinstein and Daniel Barenboim; cellist
Pablo Casals, violinist Jascha Heifetz, and
guitarist Andrés Segovia have also con-
tributed to the prestige of its long history.
Also, the most famous national artists have
performed in different genres: Ignacio
Cervantes, José White, Ernesto Lecuona,
Alicia Alonso and Rita Montaner, among
others. Since 1965, the Theater has been
the permanent headquarters of the Ballet
Nacional de Cuba.
In 1985, on the initiative of Alicia Alonso,
the complete building was renamed Grand
Theater of Havana, keeping aside the
name of García Lorca for its principal hall.
As of January 1, 2016, the Gran Teatro de
La Habana became the Gran Teatro de la
Habana Alicia Alonso.
As one of the most impressive architec-
tural gems and most active art venues
found anywhere in the city, it can be stated
clearly — the Gran Teatro de La Habana
simply should not be missed while you are
visiting Cuba’s capital city.
NETWORKING EVENTS
Churchill, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra,
Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, Steven
Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Alexan-
der Fleming – just to name a few!
Get a sense of Havana as you sip a mo-
jito on the terrace of the hotel, offering
a spectacular view of the Havana Harbor,
and lose track of time when moving to the
irresistible rhythms of salsa music played
by Havana’s best bands.
In the early evening, when the sun slow-
ly goes down bathing the Malecon in a
golden light, Havana’s most beautiful
vintage cars will bring you to one of Cu-
ba’s most famous locations – the Hotel
Nacional de Cuba.
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is consid-
ered a symbol of history, culture, and
Cuban identity. A place of legend and
glamour, the hotel stands out due to its
refined elegance and its ancient splendor,
which since 1930 has attracted a large
number of famous personalities from the
arts, science and politics, such as Winston
Farewell Party at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The figure of Alicia Alonso has great dimensions, bringing together a group of facets that few artists in the world have managed to take on. First, she is considered to be the best ballerina of her generation in the entire world. Then, together with Fernando Alonso, she was one of the founders of a phenomenon going by the name of Escuela Cubana de Ballet (Cuban School of Ballet) something that was hugely transcen-dental because for over four centuries, all over the world, only four schools of ballet have been recognized, including the Cuban plus the Russian, the English and the French Schools. Therefore, the fact that on a small Caribbean island such a phenomenon occurred is exceptional. Besides, since 1967 she has been functioning as the Director of the Company and she has been busy both as choreographer and professor, adding luster to the world ballet scene and to her country.
Source: www.lahabana.com/content/dance-gran-teatro-de-la-habana-alicia-alonso/
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23
Cuba’s first modern five-star luxury hotel
Kempinski has returned to the Ameri-
cas in style with the official opening
of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski
La Habana, Cuba’s first European five-star
luxury hotel, on June 7, 2017.
Cuba has a rich history and culture: in
fact Old Havana is a designated UNESCO
world heritage site. And this is where the
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
is opening its doors. It is the most exclusive
hotel development in the district and will
set new standards for Caribbean hospitality.
The ‘Apple’ at the centre of the city
‘Manzana’ translates literally from Spanish
as ‘apple,’ but it’s also a colloquial term
for ‘block.’ It’s an appropriate name as the
property occupies an entire block on the
Paseo Marti. This long avenue, dating back
over 200 years, is comprised of peaceful
green areas as well as bustling streets, and
is still popular with tourists and locals alike.
Located within the historic Manzana de
Gómez building, the hotel is close to
many of Havana’s main tourist attractions,
including El Capitolio, the Great Theatre
of Havana and Central Park. The famous
Castillo del Morro is just a 10-minute drive
away.
History of the site
In the 19th century, taking a stroll along
the main streets of Old Havana, to see
and be seen was a popular entertainment
for locals. Obispo Street was the focus for
morning walks, and Paseo del Prado, its
shops lit by oil lamps, was the place to be
seen at nighttime.
The Manzana de Gómez site was originally
purchased by a powerful businessman –
Julian de Zulueta. Construction began in
1890, but work stopped after complica-
tions during the excavation stage, leaving
Zulueta bankrupt. The building remained
unfinished, earning it the name ‘Zulueta’s
Ruins,’ until it was bought by Andres Gomez
Mena in 1894.
The first finished part of the building was
just one floor high and stretched the
length of the square. It offered space for
restaurants, entertainment and shopping.
THE HOTEL
24
Building on Artistic Tradition
This iconic building, with its colorful
past as a popular hub for fashionable
locals and tourists, is the perfect stage for
Kempinski’s first hotel in Cuba. The arrival
of Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La
Habana will restore Manzana de Gómez
from faded glory to its former role as a
stylish destination in Cuba’s capital.
Inspired by the site’s traditional affinity
with arts and culture and the area’s wealth
of theatres and galleries, Gran Hotel
Manzana Kempinski La Habana has
commissioned Cuban artists to create
works for the new property. Artwork and
photographs from contemporary Cuban
artists are an integral part of the hotel’s
decor, such as the images of featured
artist Claudia Corrales.
Born in 1987 in a Cuban photographer
family, Claudia has enjoyed making con-
ceptual photography, mostly creating
black and white pictures, for seven years.
She also shoots documental pictures,
which was the case in her work for the
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski focusing
on architectural subjects. In the 115 pieces
she created for the hotel, she plays with
the nostalgia of the city — focusing on
details such as columns, facades and
doors — and aims to show to guests the
beauty of this amazing city.
Bringing Kempinski five-star luxury to Cuba
Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana
will offer guests a choice of 246 luxury
rooms and suites. Extra high ceilings and
In 1909, a second floor was added to house
two theatres, one of which screened the
first silent movie to be shown in Cuba.
Gradually, other floors were added until
in 1918, 28 years after construction be-
gan, the building reached its height today
and Manzana de Gómez earned fame as
Havana’s first European-style shopping
arcade.
In its heyday, the arcade housed chic
boutiques, where people flocked to buy
the latest fashions from London and Paris.
Two theatres, restaurants, a skating rink
and a shooting range, among other venues,
provided a variety of entertainment.
As it grew, Manzana de Gómez began to
attract businesses, including law firms,
and the magazine Show, which published
Cuba’s latest show business news and was
also home to the Latin American Culture
Institute.
Post Revolution
After the Cuban Revolution in the late
1950s, shops and commercial outlets
remained on the ground floor while
other floors were used by various govern-
ment organizations and editorial offices.
There were even several schools within
the building, which some of our staff still
remember!
The Secundaria School Jose Antonio
Echevarria taught children from 12 to 15
years, and the Economia Habana Vieja
(Politecnico) offered continuing educa-
tion from 15 to 18 years.
French windows, which open out onto
the old city, create a sense of old-style
grandeur and European luxury. From the
rooftop terrace, with its infinity swimming
pool, guests will enjoy spectacular views
over Old Havana. Spa Albear by Resense
is at the heart of the hotel’s wellness and
fitness facilities, which offer more than
1,000 square metres of pure relaxation.
The hotel’s three restaurants, one of
which provides panoramic views from
the sixth floor, present dishes inspired by
culinary culture with a distinctly Euro-
pean twist, as well as Caribbean cuisine.
Guests, non-residents and locals too
have a choice of three bars and lounges
in which to meet and relax. They include
a cigar lounge and Constante Bar, which
overlooks the world-famous El Floridita
Bar. All conference facilities are located
on the sixth floor with panoramic views.
With Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La
Habana open for business, Manzana de
Gómez will once again be the place to be
at the heart of this historically important
area of Havana.
Source: www.kempinski.com/en/havana/gran-hotel- kempinski-la-habana/press-room/menus/press-kit/
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+ Melinda Keller
THE HOTEL