Five things you didn't know about...

Where he was born...

I was born in Kano in northern Nigeria. I think that technically I am entitled to a Nigerian passport, but that might also qualify me for National Service and I am definitely not cut out for life in the Nigerian army!

His childhood ambition...

When I was small, I wanted to be a palaeontologist. It never happened, although I have occasionally studied the dinosaurs that remain in the insurance industry - but they are few and far between these days, I'm happy to say.

His education...

I studied law at Cambridge University. One my lecturers said, "Of course the lawyers are just hired hands. If you really want to shape civil justice, you need to work for the paymasters - that's the Government or the insurers". This is one of the reasons that I joined the industry.

His career...

I started work in January 1989 on the Management Trainee scheme at Commercial Union. There is now a "mafia" from this scheme all around the industry, with particular concentrations at Allianz and Towergate.

His home...

I live within walking distance of the office in Guildford. A rare privilege, although in truth I drive more often than I walk. It has been a useful option during the recent heavy snow.

Jon Dye is general manager of Allianz Retail.