Sompo unveils leadership training programme for young women with High Point University

Sompo International Holdings has launched the Sompo Women in Insurance Management (SWIM) programme to better prepare young women to assume future leadership roles at Sompo International.

The programme will begin in the US, in collaboration with High Point University in North Carolina. Over time it plans to expand to other universities in the US and internationally.

The four year programme includes an annual scholarship, a paid internship at Sompo International after the third year and a dedicated Sompo International business advocate, or coach. Women on a programme will also have access to Sompo International leadership in a classroom setting, and will have the opportunity to join the Sompo International undergraduate training programme after graduation and successful completion of the programme.

Chris Gallagher, chief executive officer at Sompo International commercial property and casualty (P&C), said: “Navigating the strong currents of the global insurance industry takes diligent preparation, rigorous training, superior technical skills, courage and resilience. As we build upon and accelerate our long-term inclusive diversity strategy, we’re thrilled to be able to offer women from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to receive the education, exposure and experience that will help them lead and succeed in the dynamic and growing workforce environment at Sompo International.”

Christopher Dudley, senior vice president for development at High Point University, said: “Employers from across the nation consistently report that new hires don’t work out for reasons such as coachability and adaptability rather than a lack of technical competence. High Point University is committed to preparing our students with critical life skills that allow them to excel in the areas that matter most in the marketplace and beyond. The SWIM programme will provide the practical experience and opportunity that helps us deliver on that commitment.”

Brian Goshen, chief administrative officer at Sompo International, emphasised the importance of Sompo’s people to its success. “To support our goal of becoming a top ten P&C re/insurer, we invest in building our talent pipeline and in our employees. We expect that upon graduation, successful participants in the SWIM programme will join the many extremely talented young professionals that have completed our undergraduate training programme since its inception in 2014. We created the SWIM program with the vision of helping female students create a career path that prepares them to succeed not only as leaders at Sompo International and in the insurance industry, but also in life.”