By Sophie Roberts

March 20 - In an exclusive interview with The Insurer TV, industry stalwart Brian Duppereault reminisced about some significant chapters in his career which are brought to life in his new book, 'Faith & Purpose: The Life & Vision of Insurance Icon Brian Duperreault'.

Authored by long-time colleague and friend Wendy Davis Johnson, the book encapsulates Duperreault's journey, underlining how faith has been an anchor throughout both his personal and professional life.

"Faith to me was always an extremely important part of who I am and what I do," Duperreault shared. He elaborated on how faith provided strength and guidance during challenging times, shaping his purposeful approach to life and leadership.

Anecdotes from the book paint a vivid picture of Duppereault's experiences, including a moment of “divine intervention” when he felt destined to become CEO of Marsh & McLennan (as it was then known).

"It sounds to me as if God was speaking to me," he recounted, highlighting the serendipitous encounter with Gerri Losquadro that confirmed his path.

Duperreault’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the principle of servant leadership. "The team comes first," he emphasised, describing his role as maximising the team's capabilities and fostering a culture of respect and collective wisdom.

Reflecting on his career, Duperreault acknowledged the bittersweet transition from Hamilton to AIG in 2017, a move driven by an unwavering commitment he had made. Despite the challenges, his passion for risk and the insurance industry's societal impact continues to fuel his endeavours.

As he embarks on his latest venture, Mereo, Duperreault remains driven by the potential to innovate and contribute to the industry. "Creation is a wonderful thing," he remarked, expressing his desire to see Mereo actualise its potential and introduce new ways of doing things.

When asked about being labelled an icon, Duperreault humbly reflected on his journey from a young, ambitious professional at AIG in 1973. "It's hard for you to see yourself as others see you," he admitted, embodying a blend of humility and enduring ambition.

In another extract from the interview, Duperreault went into further detail on new reinsurance start-up Mereo.

Find out more about 'Faith & Purpose' at www.duperreaultbio.com.