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RISKBitz CEO round table goes pear shaped

RISKbitz recently got a number of senior executives from leading insurers, reinsurers and brokers together around a table to ask them about the future of the insurance industry: Where are we going? Why are we going? Who are we going with? When are we going? Have we already been? The inaugural RISKbitz round table took place at Simpsons in the Strand where the attendees enjoyed eight courses and several cases. The round table, which was hosted by RISKbitz's very own gourmand Todd Gwynion, is also available as a toddcast.

The inaugural RISKbitz square table

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Welcome everyone. Perhaps I can get things started by asking what the impact of the sub-prime crisis will be on the insurance industry?

Jean-Claude Bidet, chief executive, Debaucher Re: Could you pass the Chateau Lafite?

Henry Gout, head of lunches at Brassic Broking: Crisp anyone?

Ian Luddite, chief executive of the Luddite Agency: Does anyone know how to switch off predictive texting?

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Do you…yes, I'll have a top up…do you believe the industry will now face greater regulation as a result?

Sir Norbert "Nobby" Johnson, chairman, Mocha Re: Is this a ‘69 or a '73 Dom Perignon?

Jean-Claude Bidet, chief executive, Debaucher Re: I'll have mine rare, s'il vous plait.

Henry Gout, head of lunches at Brassic Broking: Mmmm oysters. Is it the season for natives? Let's see, October, does that have an R in it?

Travis Feebasis, president, Supabroka: No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get my handicap below nine.

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Let's move on to renewals…I'll move on to red now, thank you…Reports from the Rendezvous suggest a continuing softening of the market. Is this everyone's experience?

Henry Gout, head of lunches at Brassic Broking: I'll have some stilton, some manchego, and just a sliver of brie.

Travis Feebasis, president, Supabroka: I heard that old Geoffrey got the push, although he's claiming he resigned.

Sir Norbert "Nobby" Johnson, chairman, Mocha Re: I see England beat Sri Lanka in the one day series. Batting was pretty poor, Pietersen aside, but the bowling looked splendid, especially that chap with the hair, Ryan Sidebottom. Arnie's son don't you know.

Evangelista Bordereaux, president, International Association of National Insurance Associations: I simply must travel first class or I won't go.

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Moving on to…oh yes I'll have another glass, why not?…moving to the issue of contingent commissions. Is this still a contentious area?

Burl Juggernaut III, chief executive, Gollum Re: I was coming down the fairway on the eight hole, had just hit a fantastic shot, right down the middle, reaching for the five iron, who should I see in the bunker, Tiger Woods. Skewed his tee shot, straight into the bunker. Felt pretty damned good as I strolled past. Mind you, he was down in two after that and I took another four just to get on the green.

Sir Dudley "Dumbo" Duddleston, chief executive, Hoggwartz Global Insurance: The beaches are lovely, don't get me wrong, but even the Royal Shakespeare Company doesn't tour that far. And there is simply no opera in Bermuda at all as far as I can tell.

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Seriously guys, it's like…yeah leave the bottle…what's going on? Is the industry buggered or what?

Evangelista Bordereaux, president, International Association of National Insurance Associations: We were thinking of the Seychelles, apparently it's lovely there this time of year.

Burl Juggernaut III, chief executive, Gollum Re: Does anyone here understand all that sub-prime stuff? Way over my head.

Sir Dudley "Dumbo" Duddleston, chief executive, Hoggwartz Global Insurance: I like to play safe, so I had £1500 on Australia to win and another £1500 on New Zealand to win. Bugger.

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: Just leave the brandy on the table and I'll help myself. Both bottles. OK, listen up, I've gotta really good question. What was it? Damn.

Sir Norbert "Nobby" Johnson, chairman, Mocha Re: Bentley every time for me. I mean, I love a Jag, but it doesn't quite have the class of Bentley.

Ian Luddite, chief executive of the Luddite Agency: I'll send you a telex to confirm. Or a fax if you have one of those, not everyone has one, we've just got one - it's a marvellous gadget.

Todd Gwynion, RISKbitz: OK, guys, I love you all you know, top guys, all of you. To sum up…ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

Sir Norbert "Nobby" Johnson, chairman, Mocha Re: Are we done? Splendid. My club everyone. Drinks on the company.