DEEPU VENUGOPAL
Dubai
Summary
Seasoned and visionary insurance industry executive with over 20 years of proven success driving transformation, broker network expansion, and operational excellence across the UAE and Canada. Recognized for building high-performance teams, scaling distribution channels, and delivering sustainable revenue growth across personal, commercial, and group insurance lines.
Recently relocated to Dubai and actively seeking senior leadership opportunities within the UAE insurance sector. Offers a powerful blend of strategic foresight, market adaptability, and a consistent track record of profitability in both mature and emerging markets.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Head - Commercial & Personal Lines
Aaxel Insurance Brokers
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Directed the strategic growth and full operations of a high-performing insurance brokerage, delivering customized risk management solutions across personal, commercial, and specialty lines.
- Led a 35% year-over-year revenue increase through business development, strategic partnerships, and enhanced client servicing frameworks.
- Championed digital initiatives that boosted operational efficiency by 40% and elevated client satisfaction.
- Built and mentored cross-functional teams across sales, underwriting, and client services, fostering a results-driven and client-first culture.
- Strengthened insurer relationships to negotiate improved commission structures, exclusive products, and better underwriting terms
Sales Broker – Lead
HUB International
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Negotiated high-value contracts with insurers and reinsurers, securing competitive rates and broad coverage options.
- Led the sales team for commercial and personal lines, achieving 120%+ of annual sales targets.
- Developed bespoke insurance solutions for HNIs, SMEs, and corporations across diverse industries.
- Increased client retention by 40% through proactive relationship management.
- Performed risk assessments and gap analyses, helping clients optimize exposure and costs.
Head of Broker Relations
Al Khazna Insurance Company PSC
07.2014 - 02.2021
- Directed broker relations across MENA, achieving record AED 200M gross written premium.
- Managed and expanded broker networks, driving channel development and strategic growth.
- Designed and executed broker engagement strategies, optimizing partner performance.
- Led underwriting and deal negotiation, delivering profitable premium growth.
- Oversaw both direct and broker channels for Employee Benefits, boosting market share.
- Initiated quarterly business reviews with key brokers to drive performance accountability and foster strategic collaboration
- Collaborated with actuarial and underwriting teams to co-create bespoke insurance solutions tailored to broker/client needs.
Account Manager
Takaful Emarat Insurance PSC
06.2012 - 06.2014
- Worked towards growing the profitable business of the organization through the existing intermediary accounts and/or with new accounts, by defending renewal business and creating new business opportunities.
- Developed, agreed and maintained a yearly account plan for each allocated intermediary to achieve sales strategy and targets.
- Managed to bring in more than 30 new brokers, including multinationals in to the company and established a strong profitable business growth.
- Conducted detailed risk assessments and coverage reviews, identifying gaps and presenting tailored insurance solutions.
- Provided renewal strategies and cross-sell recommendations, contributing to 15–20% revenue uplift within assigned accounts.
Customer Service / Operations Supervisor
AXA-Green Crescent Insurance PSC
03.2009 - 06.2012
- Was privileged to be among the first employees to join Green Crescent even before its official launch in the Middle East, gaining hands-on experience in product development, channel strategy, and the foundational activities involved in setting up a startup insurance organization.
- Managed a portfolio worth AED 200M by ensuring operational efficiency and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Supervised administrative and customer service teams, maintaining SLA compliance and upholding service excellence standards.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional departments—including administration, claims, approvals, underwriting, and finance—to ensure smooth policy administration and timely service follow-ups.
Customer Service Specialist / Group Administrator
American Life Insurance Co (MetLife Alico)
12.2005 - 03.2009
- Maintained strong relationships with multinational clients and prospective insurance brokers across the Middle East, ensuring high customer retention and identifying new business opportunities.
- Provided comprehensive support to clients and brokers on a range of concerns, including policy contracts, administration, inquiries, complaints, and billing-related matters.
- Ensured adherence to administrative guidelines and policy terms and conditions in all underwriting and policy servicing activities.
- Managed day-to-day underwriting and operational tasks for assigned group medical policies, handling both broker-managed and direct accounts.
Education
Cert CII- Chartered Insurance Institute – UK
RIBO – Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario, Canada
IPGD – General Insurance, IIRM, India
MBA - University of Madras, India
ACII (pursuing) - Chartered Insurance Institute – UK
Skills
- Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage LLC
- Al Futtaim Willis Co LLC
- B M S Masaood Insurance
- Howden Insurance Brokers LLC
- Lifecare International LLC
- Lockton Insurance Brokers LLC
- Omega Insurance Brokers LLC
- Interactive Brokers
- Marina Insurance Brokers
- Prime Insurance Brokers
Additional Information
- Broker Network Expansion & Channel Strategy
- P&L Management & Financial Performan
- Enterprise Risk & Regulatory Governance
- Digital Transformation & Process Optimization
- Client Retention & Growth Strategy
- Underwriting & Product Innovation
- Underwriting & Product Innovation
- Leadership & Vision
Timeline
Business Head - Commercial & Personal Lines
Aaxel Insurance Brokers
01.2024 - 06.2025
Sales Broker – Lead
HUB International
10.2021 - 12.2023
Head of Broker Relations
Al Khazna Insurance Company PSC
07.2014 - 02.2021
Account Manager
Takaful Emarat Insurance PSC
06.2012 - 06.2014
Customer Service / Operations Supervisor
AXA-Green Crescent Insurance PSC
03.2009 - 06.2012
Customer Service Specialist / Group Administrator
American Life Insurance Co (MetLife Alico)
12.2005 - 03.2009
RIBO – Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario, Canada
IPGD – General Insurance, IIRM, India
MBA - University of Madras, India
ACII (pursuing) - Chartered Insurance Institute – UK
Cert CII- Chartered Insurance Institute – UK
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