Each of our members has a different story; how they got into risk management, what challenges they face, and why they joined Risk Leadership Network. In this article we hear from Katy Banaszkiewicz, Head of Risk and Insurance at Belron International on her journey so far.
Meet Katy:
Belron International are the world's largest vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration group, operating in 40 countries across 6 continents.
The interview:
What's your role at Belron? Can you describe your main responsibilities?
I lead on our global enterprise risk management approach and global insurance programme. My main responsibilities include developing and implementing our ERM framework and processes, partnering with the business to support them in understanding their risk exposure, contributing to monitoring/reporting risk information and ensuring we have appropriate insurance coverage in place.
How long have you been a member of Risk Leadership Network? And why did you join?
I joined Risk Leadership Network in October 2023, after I'd been at Belron for two years. We'd got our risk framework in place, but there were a number of areas of our ERM process that we wanted to mature, quickly, which proved difficult with a lean team.
We joined Risk Leadership Network so that we could collaborate with other risk professionals and get an understanding of what others were doing, to help form our own thinking.
How did you get into risk management? And what do you enjoy about it?
I worked for the general counsel at a previous organisation who was responsible for risk and compliance. They suggested I'd enjoy it, so I gave it a go - here I am 7 years later!
I enjoy having exposure to all areas of the business and that the role requires strong interpersonal skills to build relationships.
What are the main challenges facing risk leaders in the years ahead - and in your sector specifically?
The complexity and speed at which risks are changing; ensuring that we have an effective and efficient framework, and a way of triaging all of the risks and concerns heading our way, whilst ensuring the business can remain agile.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining Risk Leadership Network?
It's been a great sounding board to get new ideas on how to approach challenges, understanding lessons learned from others and getting an understanding of what 'good' looks like.
Is Risk Leadership Network worth the membership fee?
Membership, for us, is the most cost-effective way to mature significant areas of our ERM process. We're looking forward to the rest of our team benefiting from membership too.
If I wasn't a risk leader, I would be...
...keen to explore a career that focuses on sustainability.
Katy's Risk Engagement Manager
Upon joining Risk Leadership Network, Katy was given a dedicated Risk Engagement Manager from our team, Benedict. Through onboarding and regular catch-ups, Benedict has worked to gain a clear understanding of Katy's risk priorities and facilitates targeted collaboration to support her.
I've loved supporting Katy on her risk priorities since she joined. She's got ambitious plans to mature significant parts of Belron's ERM, and she's always very clear about what she wants to get out of the peer collaboration that I facilitate for her. Meanwhile, Katy is always willing to give back, and share experiences that are useful for other members."
Benedict Lam
Katy's Risk Engagement Manager, Risk Leadership Network
How to join Risk Leadership Network
Find out more about how you can join Risk Leadership Network too:
- Watch a 2-minute intro video
- See real-life case studies of ways we've supported our members
- Find more information about membership
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