Insurance industry veteran with a sterling record brings back a wealth of experience to Hong Kong
The words 'buzz' and 'excitement' are not often associated with the world of insurance, but the sentiments feature strongly in the vocabulary of Roger Steel, who moved into the CEO's position at Sun Life Hong Kong at the beginning of the year.
'I am happy to say there is a real sense of buzz and excitement attached to this new job, it is very much in keeping with the cut and thrust of Hong Kong,' said Mr Steel, who has worked in the insurance industry for more than 26 years. Before joining Sun Life, he was chairman of Hana Life Insurance in South Korea. He has also worked in Taiwan and spent several years in Hong Kong in the '90s when he worked for a branch of Australian insurance giant AMP, before it was sold to another insurance company.
In his present role, Mr Steel has been assigned the task of strengthening Sun Life's business performance and expanding the firm's operations in Hong Kong. To achieve his goals he plans to provide strategic direction, build on a team-inspired environment, and utilise his experience to drive sustainable growth. This includes streamlining decision making processes and bringing products to market in a speedy manner.
Believing that people are able to work to their full potential when they are fully aware of business direction and initiatives, Mr Steel prefers a leadership style that involves plenty of face-to-face interaction with his management team and employees.
'I like watching the lights go on when people realise how much they can achieve when given the right environment to perform in. Wherever I have worked I still have friends, which I hope indicates that I am a nice guy that gets along with people,' said Mr Steel, who believes it is important to show employees he can work hard, be actively involved at all levels and not simply issue orders.
One of his first moves after joining the company was to arrange a lunch with staff across all levels.