Five questions for Niels Berkhoudt of Aon
Because current times limit networking opportunities the RMCS would like to give individual members an opportunity to introduce themselves to the network. Just an informal way to get to know each other a little bit better and keep the community connected. Niels Berkhoudt, Senior Broker Marine Hull at Aon kicks off.
Who are you and what is your job description?
My name is Niels Berkhoudt and I’m working for Aon as a Marine broker dealing with shipping companies, offshore contractors, yards and their (daily) needs for risk advise and insurance needs. An insurance broker can be described as the middleman.
It’s my job to mediate on insurance based transactions between clients seeking insurance coverage and the insurance companies providing the insurance products and/or capacity for it.
This mostly from an international perspective since marine is such a dynamic and global market whereby clients/prospects are active all over the world. Let alone because of the potential huge assets and values that are involved in shipping.
What does a typical day for you look like?
There is plenty to keep me occupied during the day. Although now with covid-19 business has changed significantly and therefor spending majority of my time either in my attic. Or as we all do now, walking in pairs through the park with an overpriced cup of take away coffee.
A typical day starts around 6.30 with a joint breakfast with my wife and 2 year old son, after which I will check my emails and reading shipping and insurance related news articles.
If something urgent pops up, that will take a considerable amount of time, connecting with my colleagues and clients.
During the day, I will be busy with arranging insurance covers, negotiating for the best deals, dealing with renewals, processing accounts, keep in touch with colleagues (commercial, claims) and any possible unforeseen challenge of the day which usually occurs on a Friday afternoon.
Normally, a big part of my job is maintaining my network (clients, prospects and insurers), which now is mostly don via internet instead of informative events like the RMSC meetings. There we can meet the industry professionals and connect to the dots between insurance and the shipping companies.
What was the best advice (workwise) someone gave you?
Do what you say you’ll do.
How could you be of help to others in the industry?
The obvious answer is that I can be of assistance whenever there is need for risk advice.
That said, I think my enthusiasm, network and having to deal with many clients and their daily challenges can be helpful for others as well.
Born and raised in Rotterdam you can just feel the energy and proudness of many whereby everybody is somehow connected with the port of Rotterdam. I love to be part of it and try to contribute whenever possible, so please get in touch!
And lastly: What do you do in your free time?
I love to spent time on the water or take an early Sunday drive with my hobby car with occasionally Landtong Rozenburg as final destination where I am always impressed by everything there is to see (and insure).
