Parisa Kheradmand: Claims Excellence Young Achiever Award winner on ‘championing inclusion’

Parisa Kheradmand, marine surveyor and MCL adjuster at Sedgwick, took home the Young Achiever in Claims or Fraud Award at the Insurance Times Claims Excellence Awards 2024 last year.

With entries for this year’s awards open until the end of February, Insurance Times spoke to Kheradmand about what the achievement has meant to her and her firm. 

She says that the award was not just about business success, but also advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“It symbolises the progress I’ve made in breaking down barriers and pushing boundaries and I’m particularly proud to champion this in the marine sector,” she says.

The Young Achiever in Claims or Fraud Award is meant to recognise emerging talent in the insurance sector, focusing on professionals who are overcoming challenges in their fields.

As one of the few women in marine cargo claims, Kheradmand’s recognition last year was an example of how commitment and skill can contribute to both personal success and the broader movement for inclusivity in the industry.

Kheradmand shares that, to gain credibility, she has had to continually demonstrate strong technical skills and leadership, particularly in an environment where women are underrepresented.

She explains: “I’ve had to continually demonstrate exceptional technical and strong leadership skills to establish credibility. 

“Often, I am the only female at the portside, which presents its own challenges, but I’ve learned to address these stereotypes by showcasing my knowledge and expertise.”

Reflecting on the value of her achievement, she adds: “This award reminds me that I am enough – just as I am – and that my contributions are worthy of recognition and are valued.”

Inclusive culture

Kheradmand said her career success and the award was closely linked to the inclusive culture fostered at Sedgwick, which has played a pivotal role in her development.

On International Women’s Day (IWD), 8 March 2022, Sedgwick launched its Women Colleague Resource Group (CRG) as part of its broader diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy.

This initiative was in response to the historically low representation of women in loss adjusting, with a 2015 Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters report revealing that only 4% of loss adjusting staff were female.

While gender balance has improved, with companies like Woodgate and Clark reporting 10% female loss adjusters in 2021, Kheradmand says initiatives like Sedgwick’s remain vital to continuing this progress.

The Women CRG aims to foster a sense of belonging for female employees, promote a diverse and inclusive workplace and support professional development, networking, and partnerships with like-minded communities and philanthropic organisations.

In addition to her role at Sedgwick, Kheradmand has played a key role in promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration within the marine sector through her leadership of Sedgwick’s Young Marine Network.

She is also one of the few female members of the British Association of Cargo Surveyors, an organisation where women remain underrepresented.

“I’ve had great support from Sedgwick throughout my career,” Kheradmand says.

“By leading by example, I hope to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue careers in this industry.”