In the realm of professional associations, leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about steering the course of a community and like-minded individuals toward growth and collaboration. Matija Obradovic, Global Risk Manager at OIP, has recently assumed the esteemed role of President of the CPCU Europe Chapter. In this short interview, Matija shares his insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that come with his new position.

Q: How did you feel when you learned that you’ve been appointed as the President of the CPCU Europe Chapter?

Matija: Honored, proud, and a bit anxious. The CPCU Europe Chapter has warmly welcomed me and been a tremendous support. I’ve learned a lot from the members, and I hope to lead and represent the chapter in the manner it deserves.

Q: What responsibilities come with being the President of the CPCU Europe Chapter?

Matija: The Europe Chapter is diverse and comparatively smaller than most CPCU chapters. We have 100 members across the continent. Support comes not only from our local members but also from colleagues and peers on other continents. We’re a unique community, and alongside our fantastic group of officers, I’ll be organizing our two annual events. Additionally, I’ll actively participate in the CPCU Society’s work, focusing on bringing more visibility to both the Society and our Chapter, all while driving internal engagement.

Q: Could you explain the role of the CPCU Europe Chapter within the broader CPCU community for those who may not be familiar?

Matija: Certainly. The CPCU Europe Chapter, as its name suggests, serves as a hub for CPCUs and insurance professionals based in Europe and internationally. We come together to network, share ideas, and connect during our two annual meetings.

Q: What goals do you hope to accomplish in this role?

Matija: My goals include bringing more visibility to our Chapter and events, and fostering collaboration across the CPCU and broader insurance landscape. 

Like other industries, insurance is becoming more global, and I think that if more European insurance providers were aware of the value CPCU offers – not just the learning aspect, but the important work CPCU Society does – they would view it in a different light. That’s why I want to highlight the multifaceted value of CPCU, not only in terms of education but also in showcasing the significant contributions of the CPCU Society. 

Internal engagement is another priority, creating more opportunities for our members to discuss, collaborate, and share ideas, as well as other chapters and industry professionals.

Q: Why is this role important to you?

Matija: This role is a chance for me to give back to an industry that I now consider my professional home. Despite having a degree in insurance, I’m part of the 99% who somewhat stumbled into this field. Now, I consider myself an insurance lifer. 

I think insurance gets a bad rep, and I’d like to work with my colleagues across CPCU chapters to change that perception as much as possible. It’s also a great honor given to me by the people whom I admire professionally. In this role, I will have a platform to steer the discussions on industry changes, like the ongoing and all-encompassing digital transformation.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind as the President of the CPCU Europe Chapter?

Matija: I hope to leave a legacy of increased collaboration, engagement, and visibility for our Chapter. I want members to feel an even stronger sense of community and pride in being part of CPCU Europe.

Q: What would you like your colleagues and peers to know about the CPCU Society and membership? Why is it important to participate in the Society?

Matija: The CPCU Society brings together insurance professionals from various lines of business and all seniority levels, providing fantastic opportunities for networking, learning, and professional growth. 

Insurance is interconnected with the world, and the world is changing fast. By participating in the CPCU Society, you will learn about those changes from the people who are witnessing them firsthand. And, equally important, your involvement allows you to play a role in shaping the narrative the Society focuses on and influence the direction of desired change.

Stay in the Know

To stay up to date on Matija’s contributions to the CPCU Europe Chapter and his active involvement in the insurance industry, you can connect and follow him on LinkedIn. 

To learn more about the Europe Chapter of the CPCU Society, visit: https://europe.cpcusociety.org/ 

For more information about OIP and how we support partners in the E&S industry, visit oipteam.com