“The risk/(re)insurance industry just proves how everything is connected more than we often think, and the joy of finalizing a deal that has a wide effect on a variety of stakeholders, companies, and people, in the end, is something that is a no-brainer motivation” – interview with Josip Malenica, new Head of Reinsurance with GrECo Specialty.
Could you tell us a bit more about your new position at GrECo? What will be the main area of your focus?
Malenica: My new position at GrECo is Head of Reinsurance with GrECo Specialty GmbH, and I will focus mostly on reinsurance, specifically facultative reinsurance. Reinsurance is a super exciting area of the industry we work in, and I am delighted and proud to be working in such an inspiring area.
What made you choose to become a part of the GrECo in the first place?
Malenica: There’s a quote which guides me through life – Luck is when preparation meets opportunity (Seneca). In a way, this is what happened with the GrECo move. I was lucky to be in the right time in life to make the move to the most important broker in the CEE region which I believe was the best possible move having in mind the potential that lies within the GrECo Group, especially on the reinsurance side. I just felt a sensation of trust – after all, it is a matter of trust.
How has your career path looked until this point?
Malenica: I have been a reinsurance underwriter with a local Croatian carrier from 2013 to 2020 where we were taking care of all things related to reinsurance so to speak in 4 countries in the region. After that, I switched to the “dark side” and joined Marsh in Feb 2021 where I started basically building the reinsurance portfolio from scratch in Croatia and subsequently expanded our successful story to the CEE/CIS region. Those 3,5 years in the broking role have made me just affirm my true calling – reinsurance broking.
Which challenges do you expect in your new role?
Malenica: As I’ve pointed out, there’s huge potential and the process of realizing that potential, structuring, organizing, and aligning all stakeholders will be the main challenge. But that’s the only way forward, both in personal and business life – to overcome challenges with energy and drive, there’s no other way, is there?
What do you like about the insurance and risk management industry, and what keeps you motivated?
Malenica: The industry is often (wrongly) labelled as boring, but I beg to differ. The risk/(re)insurance industry just proves how everything is connected more than we often think, and the joy of finalizing a deal that has a wide effect on a variety of stakeholders, companies, and people, in the end, is something that is a no-brainer motivation.
Could you tell us a bit more about yourself outside of work? How do you like to spend your free time?
Malenica: I like to use my free time to spend quality time with my family and travel and explore new places in the world. It sounds like a cliche, but long walks and books are also the things I must mention that a lot of my free time is dedicated to love for the only thing in this world that lives forever and that’s a football club from my hometown Split in Croatia, Hajduk which is more than football – a Mediterranean/Dalmatian way of life or way of thinking.
Josip Malenica
Head of Reinsurance
GrECo Specialty
Related articles
Insured by Algorithms
The insurance industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of AI and predictive analytics.
Beyond Moving Cargo: Why Employee Well-Being Is the Real Asset in Logistics
In today’s employee-driven market, especially for Gen Z talent, benefits aren’t just perks – they’re strategic tools for attraction and retention
The New Edition of FORWARD Magazine Is Now Available
GrECo is proud to present the latest edition of our client publication, FORWARD Magazine—now live and ready to explore.
