Data-driven, cross-functional: How Aviva’s commercial CUO builds cutting-edge underwriting teams
The Underwriting Intelligence PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of the Underwriting Intelligence Podcast, Amrit sits down with Karen Dayal, Chief Underwriting Officer for Commercial Lines at Aviva UK and Ireland, to explore how data, technology, and human judgment are transforming commercial underwriting.
Karen brings over 20 years of experience as a pricing actuary and a track record of driving data-led, technology-enabled underwriting transformation. At Aviva, she’s championing initiatives like next-generation pricing platforms, renewable portfolio growth, and embedding DEI principles into core operations.
In this episode, Amrit and Karen dive into: How combining human intuition with advanced data analytics is reshaping underwriting decisions. Strategies for building trust between actuarial and underwriting teams to drive better outcomes. Lessons from crossing the actuarial–underwriting divide and developing future-ready underwriting leaders. Practical tips for implementing change and driving adoption of new tools in large organizations. The role of cyber risk, climate change, and ESG considerations in shaping modern underwriting.
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