British Ex-Forces in Business Awards

It takes people from all walks of life and backgrounds to make Tokio Marine HCC the fantastic company it is today. So it is particularly exciting to see one of our own receive external recognition for the work they have done at Tokio Marine HCC and how they are taking team leadership to another level.

Sarah Cracroft, Marine Trades Underwriting Manager, has made it to the finals of this year’s British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, having been nominated for the Team Leader of the Year.

Making it to the finals is a huge achievement in itself as these awards are the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in second careers. Taking place in London and Glasgow, the awards are dedicated to providing a much-needed platform for uncovering and showcasing the business achievements of ex-military, presenting them as role models to service leavers, and recognising the employers that support current and former members of the British Armed Forces.

So, to get to the top is a huge achievement and great recognition for the talent we have right across this business.

Sarah started her career in insurance in 1990 after a successful six-year career in the Women’s Royal Navy. Starting out in the world of broking, Sarah carved out a very successful career in the sector holding senior managerial positions at a range of broking houses.

In 2016, she was headhunted by leading Lloyd’s syndicate to join their Marine insurance team before she finally made the move to Tokio Marine HCC in 2018 where she holds her current role of Marine Trades Underwriting Manager.

But rather than being recognised for her long and distinguished career, it was what Sarah has done at Tokio Marine HCC that particularly impressed the judges.

What really stood out for them was that Sarah didn’t just join us and fit into her role - she created it. She built, promoted and delivered a first-of-its-kind underwriting platform to the London Market Marine Trades and she credits her service years for giving her the skills to make this possible: creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and leadership.

More than that, the judges were taken by Sarah’s commitment to building strong and supportive relationships with her colleagues. This manifested itself in many ways but as an example, following all the privations caused by the pandemic, Sarah organised a Three Peaks challenge for the team, climbing the UK’s highest three peaks in 24 hours and raising £22,000 for Dementia UK in the process.

This is just one example of how she has brought the team together having organised various charity events and internal and external events over the last 18 months, all designed to create the coherence and camaraderie that she holds so dear from her days in the armed forces.

Talking about her nomination, Sarah says: “I’ve been grateful for the skills I learned in the forces. My attitude towards change has, I believe, helped me, my family and colleagues over the last 18 months while we dealt with the pandemic while building a ground-breaking Marine Trades platform.

“This recognition is for the whole team though because just like in the forces, one person on their own is vulnerable. But as a tight unit, ready to support each other through thick and thin, we have shown what is possible in business, even in the most trying of circumstances.”

The awards will be held in London on the 29 of June when we hope that Sarah will walk out of the venue clutching her well-deserved trophy. In the meantime, please join us in congratulating Sarah and wishing her all the best on the night!