Rising Star: Quin Lema
Quin Lema’s journey into the reinsurance industry began with an internship at Validus Re in 2015 and 2016, which first exposed him to the analytical and strategic nature of underwriting. Lema was fascinated by how the underwriting team transformed complex data and global risks into structured, meaningful solutions while also maintaining a dynamic team environment. That early experience solidified his desire to pursue a long-term career in underwriting.
As well as excelling at football at UNC Greenboro, he gained a BSc in business administration, Lema joined the industry full-time as a junior underwriter and has since gained experience across multiple facets of the reinsurance business.
Today, Lema serves as an assistant vice president (AVP) underwriter at Pillar Capital Management, responsible for underwriting North American, international, retrocession, catastrophe bond and industry loss warranty (ILW) property business.
In his current role, Lema evaluates and structures reinsurance programmes, manages client and broker relationships and contributes to portfolio strategy and performance management. Lema’s work allows him to combine technical underwriting skills with collaborative problem-solving, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions for their short-term needs and long-term goals.
Can you start by telling us what inspired your career?
My inspiration to pursue a career in reinsurance was sparked during my internship with the Validus Re Underwriting team. There I witnessed first hand how reinsurance plays a vital role in helping societies recover from catastrophic events, supporting businesses in managing uncertainty, enabling economic stability.
Equally, the collaborative nature of the industry resonated with me. Coming from a sporting background, having played football at a competitive level in college, I’d developed a strong appreciation for teamwork, preparation and performance under pressure. Those same attributes have been invaluable in my underwriting career where success relies on clear communication, trust and coordination among multiple colleagues.
What elements of your career do you enjoy most and why?
What I enjoy most about my career is the balance between the day-to-day work in the office and the social aspect of getting to know the brokers and clients outside of the office. Underwriting property reinsurance requires a deep understanding of the technical data and the people behind the numbers, including clients, brokers and colleagues working towards a shared objective.
Can you share an example of a challenge you overcame that significantly shaped your career trajectory?
There are several challenges people face within the reinsurance industry, particularly within the first three to four years. The first challenge is that the learning curve is very steep during those early years, as you are basically learning a whole new language.
My next challenge was finding my circle of people with whom I can have open and honest conversations. Since I do not have family within the reinsurance industry, finding more experienced individuals, within or around underwriting, who have my best interest in mind without wanting or needing anything in return took some time. I can honestly say finding that connection was the turning point in my career, which guided me to where I am today.
What are your career ambitions? And how will you work to achieve them?
The goal is to continue to learn and develop as an underwriter while progressing into a future leadership role. To achieve that goal, I am focused on continuous learning through professional development, engagement in market initiatives and seeking opportunities to take on broader leadership responsibilities. Working at Pillar Capital aligns perfectly with my goals, as the remit to write business across property markets allows me to maximise my exposure as an underwriter.
How do you stay motivated and continue to learn in such a dynamic sector?
My athletic background has shaped my mindset towards personal development. Although I am no longer on the field, the competitive edge and urge to win will always be engraved within me. Just like football, success in reinsurance requires preparation, discipline and resilience. Maintaining that competitive, but team-oriented, mindset ensures I continue to grow both personally and professionally.
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