Mark Radburn, managing director, Willis Networks

Second life...

As well as being the MD of Willis Networks I am chairman of the CII's Faculty of Insurance Brokers. The board is working hard with the CII to raise professional standards in broking through training programmes, internet communications, and chartered status for broking firms. With the current turmoil in financial markets this should help position many brokers to face potential regulatory changes.

Turning Japanese...

I have a passion for Japanese design aesthetics which includes garden design. I must be the only person in the UK who has an authentic reproduction of an 18th century Japanese Tea House in their back garden. It is a wonderful place to relax and take in the view of my koi carp pond whilst enjoying a cup of cha - which of course is the Japanese word for tea.

Roles of honour...

Unlike many brokers, I have never worked for an insurer. I have done most jobs in a broker’s office, starting as tea boy, then broking, account executive and producer. Moving into management I have had roles in operations, sales and marketing, carrier relationships and now as MD of a business unit.

Smokers paradise...

I am old enough to be a ProgRock fan - one of my favourite groups being Yes. Their guitarist, Steve Howe, did a gig in Worcester, my home town, a couple of years ago. Whilst having dinner before the concert I noticed someone with their back to me smoking and called over to them to ask them to stop it. They ignored me so I walked over and tapped them on the shoulder - when they turned around, you guessed it, it was Steve. I got several name checks during the concert that night!

Fun in the sun...

The best part of running Willis Networks is chairing our annual conference for members. So far we have been to Cascias (Portugal), Marbella, Venice, Barcelona, Nice and in June we go to Palma.

Mark Radburn is managing director of Willis Networks.

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