Victoria O'Reilly | EY
I’m an experienced delivery lead with a proven track record of delivering large scale technology-enabled transformations across both general and specialty insurers.
I joined EY in 2013, having previously worked in the insurance industry, starting my career on the Allianz IT Graduate Scheme, where i undertook a 2 year rotational scheme which focused on developing my business analysis skillset and working across a number of business areas. During my time at Allianz i was part of the first team to start developing in Java and working in an agile fashion; documenting requirements using use cases and use case diagrams to create reusable components and increase the rate of change throughout the business which led to me being a finalist for the BCS Young IT Professional of the Year in 2008.
After being in such a structured environment, I decided I needed a new challenge and joined a relatively new insurance company at the time, called First Central. Here i managed a team of Change Analysts which looked after change for all areas of the business and its this role that really gave me the confidence I needed to move into the world of consulting.
At EY I've been fortunate enough to work with some of the leading insurers in the UK, helping them implement and deliver core platforms that will help them retain their market leading capability and give them the strategic flexibility they need to compete in the future, whilst also mentoring and coaching our future talent
Yuan Chen | PwC
I spent my early years in China speaking Mandarin and Hokkien, before I moved to London with my parents expanding into English and later French.
A memory that stayed with me was my first day in an English primary school knowing inside what I wanted to express but being unable to find the words, to find my own voice to communicate. It spurred me on to use my voice to represent others that hadn’t yet found their voice and to reach outwards in finding ways to connect people together. Working in a diverse and inclusive organisation was a priority for me that led to starting my career at PwC after graduating.
From joining PwC in 2014, in my privileged role as an external auditor I've been able to experience and appreciate the breadth of coverage the Insurance industry has in our society from my portfolio of audit clients. I have audited Lloyd’s syndicates, Lloyd’s managing agents, reinsurers, general insurers, pension administrators, with life insurers being the constant in my client portfolio. During my early years I also had supported other departments such as Banking and Capital markets and Asset & Wealth Management, with a rotation of experience in Finance consulting focusing on Operating Model design and large-scale transformation programmes.
The fact that no day is ever the same has provided exciting challenges and I’ve continued to grow my industry experience to support clients in understanding impacts of regulatory change on their business. I’ve enjoyed the wider context of my role that is forward-looking, such as assessing how insurance companies maintain their ability to continue successfully into the foreseeable future, in a world where the investment portfolios of Insurance companies have a role to play in shaping the environment we live in.
In addition to audit delivery, as the Insurance Lead for PwC Audit’s “Distributed Delivery Model'' my role includes embedding change that focuses on audit quality/team efficiency using solutions that blend technology and human knowledge from across the PwC Network. While at PwC I’ve continued my passion for taking action about inclusion. I've been able to use my platform in PwC to give my voice to areas needing more representation for minority ethnicities, gender, and mental health. In my role as PwC Colourbrave Champion I’ve raised awareness and organised open conversations about race/mental health across offices during COVID-19 lockdowns. I also strongly believe in championing youth development, starting with my previous voluntary roles with the Legacy Youth Board for the Olympic Park around inclusive urban planning and job creation for young East Londoners. Today as a Senior Manager in PwC I support those at university or early in their careers as a mentor and a People representative within PwC Insurance.
Ekaterina Mamonova | Allianz
My path to insurance was very non-linear - but very fun, intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I am always saying that I've fallen into Insurance - but also quickly fell in love with it.
My current role is Global Marketing and Customer Experience Lead at Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty. As part of the wider Global Distribution team, I am responsible for the development and implementation of global initiatives focused on Customer Centricity - I strongly believe that in a highly competitive commercial insurance market providing outstanding customer experience across the whole customer journey is one of the biggest opportunities for differentiation. I am incredibly lucky to be working closely with all key functions across the business - Underwriting, Claims, Multinational, Risk Consulting, and others - to ensure that AGCS is not only providing excellent experience at all key touchpoints, but is also communicating our value proposition to the market in a clear, consistent way - helping AGCS become the insurer of choice for our valuable clients and broker partners.
Prior to AGCS, I've spent 4 years at AIG, initially looking after Primary Research activities in the UK, US and EMEA - and then helping set up a Global Customer Experience function, which was an amazing and truly rewarding experience. Collaborating with colleagues from more than 25 countries, I was responsible for the activation of the Voice of the Customer program, which enabled AIG to collect transactional feedback from customers via a SaaS platform that combined qualitative and quantitative data and used Machine Learning and Verbatim Analysis capabilities to identify key themes and opportunities for improvement across a global customer base.
After completing my Master's, I've spent a number of years working for a boutique Oil and Gas consultancy, focusing on Midstream and Downstream sectors - covering research, analytics and, later, business development. These years were full of amazing learning opportunities - and mind-blowing trips to the Siberian oilfields and the Yamal Peninsula.
I was educated at the National Research University - Higher School of Economics, University of Lincoln and the London School of Economics and Political Science and have a BSc and MSc in Marketing with High Distinction. I am also a member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) and a Certified PRINCE2 Practitioner.
I am an avid traveler and a big fan of non-traditional routes - in 2019, I completed a Saharan Trekking Challenge, completing a 100km trek in Morocco over 3 days - and this was, quite possibly, the biggest mental challenge I had to deal with! I also have a (rather bizarre) annual tradition of climbing El Teide in the Canary Islands - which gives me a great sense of achievement, and a great dose of dopamine. What's next on the list? Svaldbard, as the Artic nature never ceases to amaze me. Updates to follow!
Marzia Bolpagni | Mace
Marzia is a 33 years old qualified engineer specialised in Digital Construction and Infrastructure.
She is Head of Building Information Modelling (BIM) International at Mace where she implements digital technologies for five international hubs using shared digital representations of built assets to facilitate design, construction, and operation processes to support reliable decisions.
She received a MSc. in Building Engineering and a Ph.D. in ICT and Smart Construction, where she collaborated with the Massachusetts Port Authority and the UK Ministry of Justice.
She is Task Group Leader at the EU Committee for Standardization (CENTC 442) and lead author of the EU standard EN 17412-1 adopted also in the UK. She is also EU representative at the International Organization for Standardization ISO/TC 59/SC13. She is Assistant Editor of the BIMDictionary, Ambassador of the UK BIM Alliance and co-author of national Guidance. She is member of ACE Digital Transformation Group. She is STEM Ambassador and keynote speaker and lecturer in different universities. She is Chair of the European Council on Computing in Construction Modelling and Standards Committee, Honorary Lecturer at University College London and Visiting Professor at Northumbria University. Finally, she is Founder of Italians in Digital Transformations UK (IDTUK), a community of 250+ Italian professionals working in the UK.
She received several awards. Mace assigned her the prestigious Star Award as Digital Innovation Change Maker in 2019 and Ambition Maker in 2021. She is Inspiring50 by AccelerateHER, the Young Engineer of the Year 2021 and she received the Sir George Macfarlane Medal as overall winner by the Royal Academy of Engineering, ACE Emerging Professional of the Year and Woman of the Future for Construction, Infrastructure and Real Estate.
Emily Jones | Atkins
Emily graduated from the University of Bath with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
In 2018, after a short stint at Transport for London, she joined Atkins as a graduate working on bridge engineering schemes, with the aim of progressing towards chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers (hopefully in the next year or so!)
As part of her role in engineering, Emily undertakes work on a variety of schemes, including bridge inspections and designs of repairs, replacements and new structures, mainly for for Local Authority clients. She also lead a team of graduate and apprentice engineers and is passionate about ensuring they are given the right experience to help them develop their skills for the future. She is keen to ensure that young professionals have support to develop when they arrive at the company and during her time on the Graduate Scheme, was a member of the Early Careers Forum which aims to improve the young professional’s experience at Atkins, including focuses on well-being and career progression.
During her time at Atkins, she has also developed key project management skills and now, whilst undertaking her engineering role, also manages Atkins' West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Framework contract in Transportation, working with key clients across the south west, demonstrating Atkins’ skills as a leading consultancy and the added value they can bring to our local region. Since picking up the role in 2020, she has significantly improved performance on the Framework, which is now a multi-million pound contract across a wide range of services, including those outside of Transportation. As part of this, she sits in a team with other regional client leads and shares knowledge and best practice to enable us to have the best possible impact within the region and the rest of the UK.
Outside of work, Emily loves walking, running and being outdoors generally! Which ties in nicely with her role in helping to run a local Scout Group.
Rupali Sharma-Patel | Transport for London
I am a Chartered Architect currently working as an Engineering Manager within TfL Property Development, and I provide technical leadership to the development teams to deliver affordable homes on TFL landholdings.
I started my career in Delhi designing Metro Stations and have since designed and delivered several infrastructure projects in UK.
I am committed to championing diversity and inclusion within Build Environment and am involved in several initiatives to retain and attract people from diverse backgrounds into the industry. As the Vice-Chair for the Females in Transport Engineering Staff Network Group, I have led campaigns to spotlight issues affecting Minority or Protected Groups. I am also a Steering group member of the TFL Schools Outreach programme and I am supporting the development of the Business Case for the programme.
Amy Baker | National Highways
I am currently a Planning Manager within the Strategy and Planning Directorate at National Highways, focussing on the future of the Strategic Road Network.
Throughout my time at National Highways (~5 years) I have had the experience of forward-looking roles across multiple disciplines; from leading tri-partied governance between HS2 Ltd. and Department for Transport to leading and delivering the Digital Roads vision for National Highways and the supply chain. I was inspired to enter the industry of transport and logistics after graduating in Geography from the University of Birmingham.
I joined National Highways in September 2017 as a Graduate Project Manager; rotating placement every 6 months for an 18-month period. During my time on the programme, I completed my Project Management qualifications with the Association of Project Management (APM) whilst balancing project delivery. During these 18 months, I was fortunate to work across a range of projects and programmes; putting into practice the project management principles I had learnt. These included leading a strategic study into Environmentally Sensitive Areas, undertaking an Urban Connectivity review and Secretariat lead for all Governance meetings for HS2 Phase 2. Forming tri-partied governance with HS2 Ltd. and Department for Transport for the coordination and management of a National Infrastructure programme. During this time, I volunteered as a Communications Officer for the Graduate and Apprentice Forum; and since continued to act as an ambassador for the sector representing National Highways at Highways UK and STEM ambassador events.
In 2019 I secured a promotion to the role of Assistant Planning Manager, within the Network Strategy Team, and have since progressed within this team (promoted to Planning Manager in 2021). Throughout my work I have continued to contribute to the development and shaping of the future vision of the Strategic Road Network to inform future strategies and 5-year Road Investment Strategy cycles. I currently manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders to advance the Digital Roads programme for 2025 and beyond (working alongside the SLT, Executive and Board); building and shaping the concept ahead of transition to delivery phase. Most recently I project managed the launch of Digital Roads to both an internal and external audience, leading the stakeholder and communication campaign (September 2021). In 2020 I was awarded “Ownership Champion” for delivering at pace and engaging with stakeholders on the Digital Roads vision (including Executive, Board and Ministers).
I have continued to seek out opportunities to further my career and challenge myself (incl. APMQ Project Management Qualification and Lead Collaborate Succeed). Recent examples include presenting at the Executive and Senior Leaders Conference for National Highways, Roads Academy Senior Leaders Strategy Module, WSP Innovation Lab and taking on the role of a Panellist member for industry conversations at KPMG’s Autonomous Vehicle Panel. In January 2022, I led on the submission of a Digital Roads case study for the PIARC World Road Association; promoting the work of National Highways.
Since joining National Highways, I have continued to support the Early Talent Network. My leadership style promotes inclusivity, adaptability, openness and an agile environment as demonstrated by my role within the Strategy and Planning Improvement Team, leading charity fundraising initiatives, involvement in Graduate recruitment and Placement Coordinating and Line Management/Mentor responsibilities.
Over the last year I have sought out opportunities to contribute to the wider sector of “Highways” by being an active member in the Highways Sector Council; cross supply chain group to deliver and promote positive change across the sector. I am currently part of a taskforce group delivering a campaign to make Highways a career of choice!
I am a LGBT+ Ally and Directorate representative for the Strategy and Planning “Home, Safe and Well Group”; taking personal responsibility to encourage equality, diversity and inclusion across National Highways and wider Highways Sector.
Marny Moruzzi | Mott MacDonald/Women in Transport
Marny Moruzzi is the Vice President of Women in Transport and an Associate Project Manager in Advisory Programme Delivery at Mott Macdonald.
An accomplished and proven leader of major transport and infrastructure projects including High Speed 2 and Lower Thames Crossing, Marny has worked in a variety of roles including operational traffic control, local Government, rail, highways, transport planning, logistics, transport infrastructure construction and private consultancy. Coming from a humble background in East London with very few role models, Marny has overcome numerous challenges to become a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, as well as accredited with ILM7 and NEC 3&4 Project Manager.
Marny’s energy and enthusiasm is unbounded and her technical knowledge and expertise is combined with wider industry interests including digitising transportation, net-zero carbon, legislative processes and policy, and project financing.
Marny is a Champion for Equality Diversity and Inclusion and a founding member of Women in Transport. In 2021 Marny was elected to Vice President recognising her long standing advocacy for the progression and retention of women in transport and long term career development. Marny is a keen and active motivator for career development, career changers and early career professionals, supporting graduate schemes and transport apprenticeships, including leading High Speed 2’s first transport planning cohort. Marny established and co-chaired High Speed 2’s own Gender Balance Staff Network in 2017 and blogged for the Major Project Association’s Gender Balance Initiative between 2015-2019 alongside challenging technical roles and raising a family. Marny is a full-time working Mum of two boys and an active working parent role model.
Sabina Tayub | Balfour Beatty
After having achieved a First Class Honours for my Bachelor’s of Engineering (BEng) I continued to excel in my studies with a Merit for my Masters in Civil Engineering (MEng).
At university, I was awarded the Institute of Asphalt Technology West Midlands Golden Branch Award 2015 for my dissertation entitled ‘The impact of sediments on natural filter drainage asset performance and its effect on the lifespan of the pavement’. I was also committed to the role of ‘Senior course representative’ for three years flagging any issues that the students had to the university making sure that the University matches to the students expectations. For my commendable achievements in this role, I was awarded the title of ‘Senior course representative of the year 2016’ at the annual awards evening.
Additionally, I was elected to be a deputy faculty chair (elected position) for Civil Engineering, Architecture and Building for 2 years consecutively as well as being appointed as the chair Senior Course representative for the civil engineering department for 3 years in a row. In 2016, I participated and successfully completed the ‘Study China’ programme (funded by the University of Manchester), where I had the opportunity to go abroad and study at Nanjing University. I carried out two varied summer placements during my time of study; as a site/lab technician in a geotechnical company and as a design engineer in a highways and transport consultancy.
After graduating in 2016, I joined Balfour Beatty as a Graduate Site Engineer. At Balfour Beatty, I worked on various projects in the south and east of England as an Engineer and then decided to have a career change into the commercial sector after 3 years. I currently work as a Quantity Surveyor working on the Smart Motorway Alliance project whilst also working towards becoming Chartered in this field. In my five years of working career I have been named as a Rising Star in the Guardian UK 300, Won the Best individual new comer at the Professional Clothing Industry Worldwide Association Awards with my work with Women’s PPE and been a finalist at the Women in Construction and Engineering Award for Best Young Woman in Construction.
I am Indian by ethnicity but had my childhood in Malawi (Southeast of Africa) where my love for the construction industry was initiated. I came to England at the age of 9 years old for further education and stayed here since.
Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain | InnovateUK KTN
Daisy is Rail Knowledge Transfer Manager at Innovate UK KTN, with a passion for transport transformation, accessibility, sustainability and inclusion.
She provides innovation and funding stream support to companies within the rail sector and supply chain and promotes knowledge transfer between the science base and the industry, alongside key rail stakeholders, facilitating delivery of key regional and national strategies.
She also leads on Accessible & Inclusive Mobility (AIM) including supporting & driving business innovation in AIM across transport modes.
She is the Vice Chair of ITS UK's Inclusive Mobility Forum, a Board member for the Community Rail Network and a Northern Power Woman; Future List.
Previously, Daisy worked with Community Rail Lancashire, focussing on key community-linked rail projects, including working with young women and girls for 'Women Who Wander', young LGBT+ people in 'Stand Clear of the Closet Doors', and launching the UK's first autism-friendly railway line.