Inside HIVE: Growing with the Business from Day One
Izzy Kelly joined HIVE as an Underwriting Assistant, unsure exactly where the journey would lead. But, with the right blend of opportunity and support, she’s steadily carved out a clear path forward. Now, four years in, she’s handling her own accounts, developing expertise in aviation war risks, and aiming to become an underwriter by the time she hits 30.
Working Without Siloes
“The nice thing about starting at HIVE was how close you are to the people making decisions,” she says. “You’re not siloed. From the start, I’ve sat with underwriters, learned from them directly, and been able to ask anything. There’s no such thing as a stupid question here.”
That accessibility helped Izzy shift from supporting roles into direct underwriting responsibility. She now works with David Langran, Class Underwriter, having previously partnered closely with Will Gaunt, Chief Underwriting Officer, and feels that collaborative learning has been key to her growth. “You learn so much just by sitting in on broker conversations, seeing how we match risk appetites, and absorbing how deals are shaped. It’s a real-world education.”
A Perfect Mix
Izzy sees the aviation war class as the perfect mix of technical challenge and personal interest. It’s fast-paced, but manageable, and she credits the structure at HIVE for helping her grow at a comfortable speed. “It’s not overwhelming. You get a chance to build confidence and become an expert quickly.”
Beyond the technical side of the job, Izzy highlights the culture as something special. “It’s just a supportive atmosphere. Everyone fits in, and there’s always something going on such as team away days, little competitions, and there’s always the sense that people are happy to help you out.”
Simple Things Make a Difference
That mix of personal ambition and collective encouragement stands out to her. “It’s those simple things that make a difference,” she adds. “People genuinely give you their time, and it’s made me passionate about what I do.”
As HIVE continues to grow, Izzy represents the future talent that will carry the business forward. Her journey reflects what HIVE stands for: not just finding capable people, but investing in them from the start and helping them shape the roles they want.
