Employee Spotlight: Emile Pelier and Reuben Mathew, Analysts

What does your role entail and what are your day-to-day responsibilities? 

Emile: Our role as analysts at OAK Re gives us the opportunity to work across multiple teams including exposure management and underwriting, which is really interesting. Working across various teams allows us to gain experience in all crucial elements of the business. A few of our day-to-day responsibilities include getting to meet clients, learning their pain points and identifying ways to support them along with looking at modelling perils and disasters.  

Reuben: Working across multiple teams means no two days are ever the same. One day we might be working on analytics and pricing, the next day we might evaluate a new submission, and the day after we discuss treaty structures with an underwriter. This opportunity to work across the board and collaborate with multiple teams gives us great experience in all elements of the business and keeps things exciting.  

What was it like joining OAK Re in the initial few months of operations? 

Reuben: It’s been an exhilarating and intense journey. We both joined the team within the first month of operation and we got to see the business grow from the early days.  

Emile: What struck me at the beginning was seeing the close knit team in action. We spent a lot of time in the office together, enabling us to build a strong culture. With new people continuously joining, the team has evolved and has a constant flow of energy in terms of great ideas and culture.  

What is your favourite part about working at OAK Re? 

Reuben: The people and culture. Everyone in the team is driven, collaborative and open to fresh ideas. The culture in the office is great with everyone finding time in their busy schedules to have a chat with each other.  

Emile: As analysts, we’re just starting out in our careers, but the team enables a culture of respect and trust by listening to our ideas and taking our opinions into consideration which is very rewarding.  

What else has been happening recently? 

Emile: We recently had a company-wide offsite in Dublin which was really fun. Reuben and I headed over to Dublin a couple days early to spend the weekend sightseeing and experience the local culture.  

Reuben: It was great to see the entire team outside work during our offsite in Dublin. I got to celebrate my birthday at the offsite along with celebrating the team’s achievements from the past six months since our launch. 

What would be your one tip for someone starting out in insurance? 

Emile: My advice would be to just go for it. At the early stages of your career, you are allowed to make errors. It is a learning curve. You need to learn from your mistakes and ensure you don’t make the same mistakes again.  

Reuben: Don’t shy away from asking questions. Irrespective of how basic and dumb a query may seem, it is always better to get clarity in the early stages. The insurance industry is riddled with complex jargon and the earlier you have clarity, the more confident you become.  

Another piece of advice would be to take initiative. Say yes to new opportunities even though they may seem daunting and difficult. You might not know what you’re getting into, but you can learn on the job and end up having fun.   

Tell us something about yourself outside work.  

Emile: We’re in an industry that’s quite social and that’s what I love doing outside of work. Whether it’s meeting up with old friends from school to play football or going to events, I enjoy being social. I’m also learning how to play golf and recently went to a golf trip. It’s tough, but I’ll get better!   

Reuben: I love exploring London’s culinary scene, trying new cuisines and restaurants and recommending them to my colleagues. I also enjoy watching and playing sports, football in particular – you’ll often find me supporting my team (Manchester United).  

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Reuben: Just say yes to opportunities and you’ll figure it out along the way. I’ve previously said no to opportunities just because I didn’t have a clear idea or path, but I’ve grown to realise that everyone’s figuring it out as they go. So, just take the leap and you’ll learn on the way.  

Emile: Take a step back and reflect. It’s easy getting wrapped up in the journey and not reflect or learn. If you make a mistake, take a minute, ask yourself “What happened? What did I do wrong? What can I learn from this?” and move forward. If something goes well, pause and reflect on how it can get even better.