---
title: Interview with our new Managing Director - ASL International
description: Helen Meredith has stepped up as Managing Director of ASL. In this interview she is asked about her thoughts on […]
---

[latest-insights/blog](https://latestinsights.aslinternational.com)

# [Interview with our new Managing Director - ASL International](https://latestinsights.aslinternational.com/blog-post/interview-with-our-new-managing-director)

 Written by [ASL International](https://latestinsights.aslinternational.com/author/asl-international) | Feb 19, 2021 12:00:00 AM

Helen Meredith has stepped up as Managing Director of ASL. In this interview she is asked about her thoughts on this new position

**When did you join ASL and how has it changed?**

I joined ASL in 2002, when it was unusual to be female in the London Insurance market. There were only 2 other female adjusters in the firm at the time, out of a total of 12. Don’t forget that was only 6 years after the first female active underwriter was appointed at Lloyd’s, so the firm was already pretty ground breaking to have that sort of a male:female ratio!

We now have a 50:50 gender split which I am very pleased about. It’s not that women make better adjusters, but diversity, and the resulting ability to see the same problem differently, is vital.

**What else makes ASL special?**

Undoubtedly the staff and the breadth and depth of their experience. And the fact that this is combined with diverse ages and backgrounds.

As a firm, we spend time developing our people and we have an incredibly low turnover; there can’t be many businesses where the average length of service is over 10 years, yet the average age of our qualified professionals is still under 40. The secret I think is that we get everyone involved with as many aspects of the business as possible, and the opportunities are not limited by a hierarchy.

It is very important to me that I maintain the culture of putting our people at the heart of what we do. I am grateful to our retiring Managing Director Mike Walter for fostering this atmosphere over 30 years and I intend to grow and develop that legacy.

**As a client of ASL, what can I expect to see differently going forward?**

A more blended approach to claims – travel where that is necessary and adds value; augmented by the use of technology where it doesn’t.  We’re also working towards carbon neutral status.

**What have been the greatest challenges with the pandemic?**

Looking after our people.  As I’ve said, they are key to everything we do and I do feel responsible for their wellbeing.  We foster a culture of openness, speaking to each other often and providing support where needed.

**What is your long-term perspective on the insurance market?**

This is a time of great challenge for the insurance market – the first hard market in our sector in over 10 years, an influx of pandemic-related claims as well as the resulting need to adapt working practices due to Covid-19, and the growing threat of cyber crime.  With challenge, though, inevitably comes change and opportunity – my view is that the market will respond positively and adapt, taking advantage of new technology to become more agile and customer-focused.  I look forward to ASL being a part of that.

**What would be your desert island disk? And your luxury?**

Times Like These by the Foo Fighters (which seems apt at the moment!) and scented candles – although perhaps not appropriate for the desert island; but as a mother of 3, I would relish some relaxation, especially after lockdown home-schooling!

**What is your guiding-philosophy in business, and indeed life?**

We are not measured by what happens to us, but by how we respond to those experiences; true in business and in life!

**What is your plan for the future at ASL?**

To continue to develop and grow the business organically whilst maintaining focus on our core values – nurturing our team of talented experts and enabling our clients to provide a truly first class claims service to their customers.

[View full post](https://latestinsights.aslinternational.com/blog-post/interview-with-our-new-managing-director)

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