Director of Innovation, insurance

DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION

Our client is an insurance company which has the ambition to strengthen its core business while responding to the changing needs of society by providing innovative solutions that extend beyond traditional insurance.

Following the evolution of the company into an innovation-oriented organization that acts as an incubator and accelerator, the company was looking for an Innovation Director who would be responsible for further developing the innovation within the company as well as the existing and new ecosystems.

In a first instance we needed to get a thorough understanding of the ideal candidate profile and his/her specific role in our client's business as it was a relatively new position.

After a brainstorming session with our client, we came to the conclusion that we needed to find an individual with experience in corporate/business development, technology/innovation or sales/business development in the (Financial) Services industry.

The ideal candidate had to be able to think strategically/conceptually, but also to implement a strategy, achieve results and get things done. The person had to have a positive attitude towards change and innovation, be energetic and have a healthy 'can-do' mentality.

Our search universe wasn't broad as, given the criteria, we would most probably be looking at an engineering or economics profile (conceptual) with work experience in consulting and financial services and a keen interest in innovation.

We succeeded in identifying the right candidate.