Spotlight on… Matthew Howes, new Group Head of Claims for PIB Group

April 16, 2020

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be shining the spotlight on some of our interesting and talented people across PIB Group. In the first of our series, Matt Howes has just joined PIB Group as Group Head of Claims and steps into the spotlight to share more about his new role.

Tell us about yourself?

Following completion of my A levels I made the decision to embark on a career rather than follow on to University (a decision which was not well received by my parents).

After a successful interview, my claims journey began with niche Lloyd’s brokers Alfred Blackmore (who were eventually purchased by Lockton).

I then moved to Lloyd’s Syndicate 839 (now Canopius) where I was fortunate enough, whilst still in my early 20’s to gain invaluable experience sitting on a traditional Lloyd’s box seeing brokers and ‘scratching’ their files. After that, I spent 15 years working for a claims management business, originally trading as Devonshire Claims Services & Triton Global and more latterly DWF Claims (in my role of Head of Claims Services) where I participated in the company growing from a handful of people in one office to a business with around 120 people covering a global footprint to include Ireland, Canada, Australia and the US.

In 2017 I joined HW Wood as Claims Director and now I’m embarking on my latest and possibly most exciting career chapter with PIB.

What do you enjoy about working in claims?

The insurance market is abundant with good people and there are some fantastic claims personalities in the market. Even with the advent of electronic trading and claims platforms, insurance remains a people business which makes the more routine elements of our jobs enjoyable.

What attracted to you to PIB?

PIB has come a long way in a relatively short period of time and its journey is a really interesting one and one that I wanted to be part of. It seems to me that rather than settle for the status quo there is a real appetite for progress and development, both at a corporate and personal level.

What are your immediate priorities?

Given the bizarre circumstances we all find ourselves in at the moment, my initial plans of learning and understanding the business, together with meeting new people and offices has been somewhat hampered! However with the technology to hand we will do what we can, particularly with the ability of video conferencing.

What’s life like outside of work?

Life outside of work remains hectic being married with two sons aged 14 and 10. Given the Covid-19 situation, any holiday plans are on hold at the moment, but a favourite destination of ours is Menorca. I am also a West Ham fan, where we have held season tickets since the move to the loveable London Stadium!

Welcome again Matt!