Spotlight on… Philip Walters and how travel plans led to a 22 year career in claims

July 27, 2021

Meet Philip Walters, our PIB Group PI Claims Manager! 

Find out more on Philip and how his six-month travel plans turned into a 16-year career in a claims department of a specialist broker and what eventually enticed him to PIB. Plus, insight into his previous claims experience, some career advice and his ideal Sunday afternoon as an F1 fanatic. Over to you Philip!

Tell us about yourself?

After completing my A-levels, I hadn’t fully decided what I wanted to do in life. I was torn between a degree in Quantity Surveying or Business Studies.

A couple of friends and I decided to defer our degrees for a year, work for six months and then travel for six months. I got a job in the Professional Indemnity Claims department of a specialist broker, not really knowing what that was and nor did I tell them about my plans – those six months turned in to 16 years!

I then moved to a latent defects insurer to set up and manage their claims team, before moving to AIG. Seven years ago I became Head of Professional Indemnity Claims for the UK regions and that team grew from 3 to 15 adjusters eventually encompassing all financial lines claims for the UK regions and Ireland.

Most enjoyable part about working in claims?

The variety of the work. I have dealt with claims ranging from negligent advice on crop spraying to the design of bridges and sky scrapers. 

What attracted to you to PIB as a career destination?

The infectious enthusiasm of the people I met during the interview process is what attracted me most. There is a sea change going on in the UK broker market and a real client need for a broker like PIB. 

What does your role at PIB entail?

My role is to oversee our own PI (E&O) claims, including reviewing E&O identification, the process of notification and management, whilst working with both internal and external stakeholders to pro-actively manage resolution.

How do you relax outside of work?

I was going to say golf, but I’m not sure that my lack of ability makes it that relaxing – all the gear and no idea! I’m a keen F1 fan which provides the ideal Sunday afternoon relaxation.

Best careers advice you’ve been given, or would give to someone?

Always have a line of sight as to where you want to get to and a map of how you are going to get there.

One thing most people won’t know about you?

I am Chair of Governors at a local primary school which is one of the largest in the country with over 950 children.

Did you enjoy Philip’s story? You can read more about colleagues across PIB on our website or explore our career opportunities here.