Lloyd’s of London has ‘willingness to improve and modernise’ as it unveils portraits of D&I role models

Lloyd’s of London is showing that there are many parts of its history to be proud of – but that it also takes pride in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and forward-looking market.

That was according to Lloyd’s head of culture Mark Lomas, who told Insurance Times that “the market has a willingness to improve and modernise”.

His comments came after Lloyd’s revealed, during the ninth anniversary of the Dive In Festival, six portraits of diversity and inclusive role models.

Lomas explained that the exhibition celebrates the diverse role models and those who have played a role in shifting the culture within the Lloyd’s market.

“The stories and achievements of the champions featured in the exhibition should motivate and inspire current and future professionals,” he added.

“Each portrait and the story that accompanies it demonstrates the positive changes that can be made when individuals champion change and work tirelessly to ensure a more positive experience for those coming after them.

“Each champion has advanced the rights of diverse groups in their own way.”

The chosen six

Commissioned by award-winning artist Franklyn Rodgers, the portraits are displayed alongside existing portraits of former Lloyd’s chairpersons in Lloyd’s Old Library. 

The six role models were chosen to recognise their efforts in championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the insurance market and reflect their individual journeys.

They include David Flint, chief executive of Blue Mountain, Sheila Cameron, chief executive of the Lloyd’s Market Association, Rebecca Mason, senior wordings’ manager at MS Amlin, Rob Anarfi, chief risk officer at Beazley, Erik Johnson, cofounder of three DE&I partner networks and Kirat Kaur Nandra, credit control manager at Chubb.

In a LinkedIn post in September, Rodgers said: “These portraits are a reminder that celebrating equity is an on-going process, which requires a commitment and active participation to truly make a difference.

“It is a pleasure to celebrate how we embrace this, not just this week at the Dive In Festival but beyond, transforming a culture that can be more inclusive, empowered and represented.”