News Analysis - Reformer moves into Lloyd's.

(From Reinsurance)

Byline: Vic Wyman.

In the world of Lloyd's, most people would probably accept Iain Saville's light-hearted description of himself as a rocket scientist.

He has a first degree and a doctorate from the University of Oxford in mathematical physics and has done a lot of computer development and computer modelling. "I like the theorising side," says the recently-appointed first head of business process reform at Lloyd's, who is charged with improving the operation of the market.

Yet he accepts that his job, which he took up in October, will involve more than just a sound academic grasp of software systems. His job is to persuade those operating in the real world of Lloyd's that the adoption of computer systems will help them to eliminate paperwork, cut costs, speed up deals and, overall, understand and run their businesses better.

Mr Saville, who reports to Lloyd's chief executive Nick Prettejohn, says that he knows enough not to be put off by people who pretend that systems are always complicated: "That's always bullshit."

He says that the aims of the current London Market Principles (LMP) reform programme at Lloyd's, along with the Kinnect system designed to allow the many software systems in use in the market to talk to others easily, are straightforward. "I'm not going to be browbeaten by people trying to make it complicated," he says.