Dan Griffiths – Head of Underwriting, MX Commercial

In the latest instalment of our Guiding Growth series, we caught up with Dan Griffiths, Head of Underwriting at MX Commercial, part of our Specialty Underwriting pillar MX.

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Hi Dan, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us how long you’ve been part of Specialist Risk Group (SRG)?

I joined SRG as part of the GB Underwriting acquisition which took place in 2021. At the time, GB Underwriting had 15 employees and I was responsible for the Property team and managing insurer and broker relationships.

When we were informed that GB Underwriting had been acquired by SRG, Warren Downey, Group CEO and Lee Anderson, Deputy Group CEO, entered the meeting and they were great in answering our questions around job security, the culture, and plans for the business. I was really impressed by how it was handled as it gave everyone a lot of comfort, there was no ‘limbo’ of worrying or waiting to find out more and everyone was really excited for the opportunities it would bring!

That’s great to hear! And how has your role developed since 2017?

I worked closely with the SRG leadership team throughout the integration process and when GB Underwriting rebranded to MX Commercial in July 2022. My experience in the insurance market put me in a great position to step up to the Head of Underwriting role at MX Commercial when we undertook a planned restructure of the management team.

I am now responsible for managing MX Commercial so as well as ensuring we deliver our business plan, I also meet with our insurer and broker partners to listen to their needs, develop opportunities and of course, deliver results.

Congratulations on your promotion, Dan. Can you explain how you got to where you are now?

Thank you! When I finished school, like many 18-year-olds I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I joined the insurance industry. I was excited by the prospect of working in London and enjoying the lifestyle and culture that comes with it.

My uncle worked in Lloyd’s, and I thought he had a great lifestyle, and that’s what sparked my interest. I joined one of the largest insurance companies in the UK on a school leavers programme, which were common at the time.

Over the course of 20 years, I worked for a couple of insurers, brokers, and MGAs and worked my way up to a Director role before coming across GB Underwriting. The founder, Russell Brown, lived in the village next to mine in Essex so we met for a chat about the company and that is where it all began. I developed the Commercial Combined book and brought some of my property experience to the business.

Thanks Dan. What do you enjoy the most about your role?

The people. To work in an industry where so many people who have similar philosophy and goals in life is very fulfilling. Helping less experienced staff develop on their journey, networking with people I have traded with for 20+ years and catching up with some of the great characters of the insurance sector are all things I really enjoy.