Interview with Richard Deguettes, General Manager France of Liberty Specialty Markets

After concluding his second renewal campaign on January 1 as Managing Director of the French branch of Liberty Specialty Markets, Richard Deguettes shares his ambitions and objectives for this year 2020.

What is your overview after more than a year spent at Liberty with your teams?

What matters the most to me is: People. I think that progress occurs when people feel safe and this applies both to our policyholders and to our employees. It means staying simple, clear and transparent and acting responsibly with empathy, dignity and respect at all times. My first comment, as you can see, is not business oriented because I am convinced that good relations are the key to business. The involvement and professionalism of the Liberty teams continue to impress me.

How did you end this year 2019?

We concluded 2019 with growth of several tens of percent, exceeding our targets. This growth has taken place on all our lines, whether our historic lines or our more recently opened specialty lines. Today, we have a balanced and diversified business insurance portfolio. This is divided into four Risk poles. 40% comes from Financial Risks, 30% from General, Professional and Environmental Liability lines, 20% from so-called First Party lines (Energy, Terrorism and Political Violence, Fine Art, Cancellation Insurance and Special Risks, Transport) and 10% of the Credit, Political Risks and Guarantee lines.

The results of the 2019 Golder & Partner Satisfaction Survey of brokers and customers clearly reflect these performances. We are 1st in overall Broker satisfaction rating, second in Overall Client satisfaction rating and always 1st on criteria such as availability, technical skills and decision-making of interlocutors, dispute resolution as well as the ability to provide solutions adapted.

How did this January 1 renewal campaign go and what do you expect for the future?

We have seen, like everyone else, the end of a status quo on renewal conditions and Liberty has often been able to position itself as the best alternative offer among specialized insurers by trying to treat each subject and each client on its own merits. Our growth therefore continued. But what marked us most was the return of our broker partners who found Liberty teams that answered the phone, who were transparent and respectful when technical turnaround needs were necessary.

"The great autonomy given to the teams, both in underwriting and in claims management, enables rapid decision-making, which is decisive in the business of our clients and broker partners." Christine Pujo, Commercial Director