Bayes alumna appointed to prestigious ambassadorial role for Chartered Insurance Institute
A Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) alumna has been appointed as an ambassador for the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to encourage innovation and help develop professional industry frameworks in Africa.
Tabitha Mwathi-Mungai (MSc Insurance and Risk Management, 2021) has been named Goodwill Ambassador for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Africa, with the aim of sharing best practice, promoting the need for professional qualifications and providing mentorship to students in the field of insurance.
Tabitha, who runs her own insurance advisory business in Kenya, said she had always been driven by a passion for inclusion, innovation and empowerment in finance, and hoped to use the role as a platform to build trust and understanding of insurance in developing countries.
“I am really excited about the position as it is an opportunity to use my networks and experience to create a mind shift in the insurance space for customers and insurers,” she said.
“Recruiting professionals in insurance is often challenging because most people develop within roles as they gain experience rather than seeking formal industry qualifications. Part of my role will be to promote insurance and financial careers to students and young professionals, as well as instilling business values and integrity.
“Africa has so much to offer the world, including a young, educated and talented population with a good number of innovations coming from within. Traditional insurers are finally embracing this, and there is now investment in insurtechs too.
“However, there is still so much to do to deliver customer-centric solutions to uninsured and existing customers faster. Lack of investment in proven innovations is damaging and regressive for sustainable development goals, and insurance is a key link towards achieving them.”
Tabitha decided to study on the MSc in Insurance and Risk Management programme at Bayes due to the credentials of the course.
“Bayes Business School is an International Insurance Society (IIS) designated Global Centre of Insurance Excellence, as well as being one of the highest-ranking business schools for insurance in the UK,” she continued.
“Although leaving my family to study in the midst of a pandemic was a big challenge, I really enjoyed the experience of learning from esteemed lecturers and practitioners as well as sharing experiences with fellow students from all around the world.
“I chose to study at Bayes because I wanted a fresh perspective to sharpen and hone my skills, learn from the best and take it all back home. I was glad to meet new people and broaden perspectives of my area of interest.”
Dr Simone Krummaker, Senior Lecturer in Insurance and Course Director for MSc Insurance and Risk Management during Tabitha’s period of study at Bayes, said her appointment was a just reward for her hard work and expertise.
“It is always very rewarding when students and alumni gain recognition and senior roles,” Dr Krummaker said.
“Tabitha’s appointment as Goodwill Ambassador for such a prestigious professional institution is testament to her knowledge of the industry at a global level, as well as her passion for education and innovation.
“The MSc Insurance and Risk Management course at Bayes balances theory and practice to equip students with rounded knowledge and skills that are necessary to succeed in the constantly evolving worlds of insurance, risk and risk management.
“The insurance sector is ever-changing and requires strong leadership to bring through future generations. I have no doubt that Tabitha will make a success of the role and help move the industry forward.”
Find out more about the MSc Insurance and Risk Management programme at Bayes.