Re-sume - The 'midnight cowboy'.

(From Reinsurance)

Ross started his career in Brisbane, Australia in 1962 with a small broker, Noble Hall. The company was acquired by Stenhouse later that year, marking the start of a chain of acquisitions. Stenhouse merged with Reed Shaw of Canada in 1974 to form Reed Stenhouse and then the New Yorkers. Alexander & Alexander acquired them in 1984, and they were later acquired by the Chicago-based Aon in 1997.

Having risen from a junior clerk to be chief executive officer of all the Australian operations in the 80s, Ross moved to London in 1990 to lead the specialty and reinsurance operations there. He also ran the E&S operations in the US. In 1999, he was appointed chief executive officer of international reinsurance operations.

What was the market like in the 60s?

It was quite technical. All the ratings, wordings and endorsements were in a tariff that was constantly updated. You had to learn how to read that 'bible', and rate and design coverage at a very young age (add five pence for electric motors; deduct a penny for concrete floors, etc). We competed on advice and service, and you really had to prove your value then as price was not a differentiator.

What do you remember most about the start of your career?

My first pay packet. I've still got that packet (not the contents, though). For my first week's work I earned seven pounds five shillings ($15), and I remember being proud of that.