Penny Speed meets… Adrian Morgan, chief operating officer, Xuber
Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends. What better way to squeeze in and share as many intimate revelations as possible than her very own ‘speed meeting’ column? This week, it’s the turn of Xuber's Adrian Morgan.
What was your first ever job — and were you any good at it?
I worked at a plant nursery during college and I was pretty good
If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
Blue Monday by New Order; Money for Nothing by Dire Straits; and Coldplay’s The Scientist
Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Didn’t have a pin-up as such, but was partial to a Michelle Pfeiffer movie or two
My colleagues won’t know this about me but...
I co-developed a number one‑selling computer game in 1986
Favourite book of all time?
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene – fascinating
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Treat others as you wish to be treated
What would be your chosen superpower?
Invisibility
If you could be Prime Minister for the day, what change would you instigate and why?
Be brave and hire the best people to invest in business and entrepreneurs. Austerity alone is not enough
How would a typical school report about you read?
Adrian is an enigma
My top tip for climbing the insurance career ladder is...
Work hard and deliver what you say you’re going to. Simple
What’s the most annoying thing people do in your office?
I’m struggling here, I don’t really get annoyed by anything
My last supper would comprise...
Hot curry, vintage champagne and a warm chocolate pudding
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Even though I’ve worked with some brilliant people over the years, I’d have to say my wife
When I’m not working I like to...
Relax, watch movies, play golf and hike in the mountains
If I wasn’t working in insurance I would probably be...
Researching the Higgs boson at CERN
Name your five ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive) noting what they bring to the party
Albert Einstein for his brilliant mind; Steve Jobs – a visionary; and Neil Armstrong, Jo Brand and Micky Flanagan to inject a bit of fun
Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil?
Food of the gods – especially on warm, buttered toast
Career high point to date?
The launch of Xuber
What do you say when strangers at a social gathering ask what you do for a living?
I work for a software company
If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
Back 4500 years to see just how the Egyptians built the Great Pyramid
Would you like to be probed by Penny on one of her speed meets? Get in touch via Stephanie Denton
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on Technology
Insurtech Review of the Year 2024
2024 was a busy year for insurtechs as insurers looked to make the most of artificial intelligence plus data analytics, but sector leaders reckon the industry will push the boundaries of digital transformation even further in 2025.
ManyPets co-founder joins Bikmo as chair
Cycle insurer Bikmo has appointed Steven Mendel, co-founder of ManyPets and former CEO of its parent company ManyGroup as chair, subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Beazley’s Cox names energy demand and ‘AI washing’ as risks for 2025
Beazley CEO Adrian Cox has highlighted increased demand for energy and “AI washing” as emerging risks the insurer will be keeping an eye on next year.
Q&A: Venkat Sathyamurthy, Tractable AI
Venkat Sathyamurthy, newly appointed CEO of Tractable AI, discusses his journey to the top of the insurtech and his plans for the company’s next stage of artificial intelligence focused growth.
Hiscox’s Wrigglesworth on how to evolve an insurer’s tech estate
View from the Top: Ian Wrigglesworth, chief technology officer at Hiscox UK, considers the challenge of designing a tech strategy in a fast-changing world.
Why the NHS needs cyber insurers’ help
Tom Draper, head of insurance, UK, at Coalition, explains how the NHS is vulnerable to cyber attacks and explains ways insurers can come to the rescue of the nation's healthcare provider.
60 Seconds With... Machine Learning Programs' Damian Baxter
Damian Baxter, CEO of Machine Learning Programs, reveals how Sir Alan Sugar's loss is insurance's gain, would like to be Captain Jack Sparrow and can't stand ironing.
Lack of trust in telematics hampering potential
After a survey found only 8% of respondents had received any communication from insurers about adopting telematics-based insurance to help reduce premiums, Fairer Finance’s James Daley said “telematics still doesn’t seem to be fulfilling its potential”.