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Speaker Interview: Daniella de Lint, Chief Claims Officer, MSIG Europe SE, Claims Director MSIG Specialty Marine
Daniella de Lint has spent her career at the sharp end of complex marine and specialty claims, and at the heart of cultural change. Starting as a Recovery Specialist at Crawford & Company, she joined MSIG Specialty Marine in 2009 as a Senior Marine Claims Handler before becoming Head of Claims for MSIG Specialty Marine Insurance SE in 2015. With Master’s degrees in Maritime Law and Transport Law, and further training in Maritime Insurance at Erasmus University Rotterdam, she combines deep technical expertise with a people-first leadership philosophy. Today, as a CCO and executive coach, she is redefining what claims can be: a space where automation and agentic AI act as “claims buddies” that empower expert teams, where curiosity and courage are celebrated, and where truly seeing and listening to people is the engine of high performance and meaningful transformation.
What’s been the most defining moment of your career so far?
Applying for my first leadership role was the defining moment of my career. It marked the transition from being a technical expert to becoming someone truly focused on what drives people and how to build high‑performing teams. Leading the establishment of MS Amlin Specialty Marine as a successful MGA of scale — and later steering the merger of MSIGEU and MS Amlin Insurance SE — reinforced how much I thrive when I’m shaping culture, enabling people, and delivering transformation through teams.
What’s one misconception about the industry that you’d love to change?
There are three major misconceptions I’d like to challenge. First, claims is not just about cost control — in a niche business like ours, what motivates our people is the chance to deeply understand clients’ needs and think creatively about solutions. Second, insurance is far from slow or boring; we handle complex, high‑profile claims that often make the news and demand deep expertise. And third, automation doesn’t replace people — it empowers them. Technology frees up capacity so our teams can spend more time truly connecting with brokers and insureds and understanding their business.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this field today?
Stay curious, be courageous, and don’t be afraid to challenge old assumptions. This industry rewards people who think broadly, care deeply, and look beyond the obvious.
What’s one lesson from outside of insurance that has shaped how you work?
A key lesson I’ve brought into my leadership is the importance of truly seeing people — listening carefully, understanding their needs, and recognising them as individuals. My work as an executive coach has taught me that people thrive when they feel heard and understood, not just managed.
Being present, listening without judgement, and responding to the person — not just the role — has fundamentally shaped how I build teams and lead through change.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People sometimes are surprised to learn that, alongside my CCO role and mentor, I’m also an (executive) coach. Coaching has become a core part of how I show up as a leader — supporting people to navigate challenges, develop resilience, and grow with confidence. It keeps me grounded, inspires me daily, and reinforces my belief that people‑first leadership is not only powerful, but transformative.