10 October 2024 • 1 min read

My Journey In Insurance: Paolo Cavalieri

Mamoeti Nosi interviews iTOO Chairman Paolo Cavalieri as he reflects on his career, leadership shaped by sports, and the future of iTOO in special risks insurance.

iTOO

iTOO

In the second episode of The Expert Studio, Mamoeti Nosi chats to iTOO chairman Paolo Cavalieri about his journey in the insurance sector as he reflects on his family’s legacy in the industry and his personal connection with sports – from rowing to Formula 1. 

Born in Johannesburg, Paolo discusses starting his career through his father’s work with Assicurazioni Generali, one of Italy’s oldest insurance groups. His early days of rowing and motor racing developed his competitive nature and taught him the value of diversity and teamwork, which consequently shaped his leadership style at iTOO. He also talks about how risk management in motorsport can be related to the insurance industry. He further discusses the essence of leadership, accessibility, and the learning culture at iTOO, and the need to attract talent through the diverse nature of special risks insurance – from mergers and acquisitions to events to kidnaps and ransom insurance. 

As well as celebrating the business’s success, Paolo outlines his vision for the future of iTOO. The original goal for the company was for it to become a market leader in special risks insurance, and the aim is to make sure it stays that way, while also focusing on growth including geographical expansion, product diversification, and maintaining a culture that fosters individual growth.