Today we interview Carmen Castellano, CEO of Assek Europe Compañía de Seguros, whose origins lie in the Argentinean firm Assekuransa.
1.- Could you explain to us, in a few words, what Assek Europe does?
At Assek Europe we provide goods transport insurance and we are the first insurance company in Spain dedicated exclusively to this type of insurance so that exporters, importers and freight forwarders can operate with total peace of mind. Although we are a young company in Spain, we are born with the backing and experience of Assekuransa, a benchmark in the sector with more than 35 years of international experience.
2.- What are the main characteristics of your insurance policies?
Our proposal is based on specialisation, flexibility and speed. We know that each transport operation is unique, so we design policies adapted to each need: from annual coverage to insurance for specific shipments. In addition, we cover key risks such as damage during loading and unloading or incidents in refrigerated goods and damage due to improper stowage. And the most important thing: we guarantee a close and agile service at all times.
3.- What objectives are you pursuing with your expansion strategy?
We want to consolidate our position as the benchmark in freight insurance not only in Spain, but also in Europe. Our objective is to strengthen our presence in key European markets and continue to grow with freight forwarders, brokers and logistics companies that are looking for a reliable partner to protect their operations.
4.- Why did you choose the Community of Madrid as one of your key locations?
Madrid is the logistical and economic heart of Spain. From here we can easily connect with our customers throughout the peninsula and beyond our borders. In addition, the Region of Madrid offers a dynamic business environment, with access to qualified talent and a first class infrastructure network that allows us to operate with agility.
5.- Madrid is kilometre zero of Spain’s extensive transport network and the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Latin America. What are your expectations for your arrival in our region?
We have great expectations, of course. Madrid allows us, on the one hand, to consolidate our growth in Spain and, on the other, to lay the foundations for future expansion in Europe. In addition, being located in a strategic point of international trade, we can strengthen our relationship with global clients who require efficient and specialised insurance solutions.
6.- How has your collaboration with Invest In Madrid been, and how has it helped you?
Our experience with Invest In Madrid has been very positive. They have provided us with key information on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, regulation and available incentives, which, together with their support, has allowed us to set up our operations more efficiently.
7.- How many jobs do you expect to generate in Madrid in the short and medium term, and what kind of profiles do you need?
Our growth goes hand in hand with job creation; in fact, in our first year of operations we have not stopped expanding our staff. In the short and medium term we expect to continue expanding our team in areas such as underwriting, administration and claims. We are looking for profiles with experience in freight insurance, as well as young talent eager to specialise in this complex but dynamic sector.
8.- What would you recommend to other foreign investors who are thinking of opening their business in Madrid?
I would tell them to go for it without hesitation. Madrid is a vibrant community, with a growing economy, reliable, secure and an incomparable strategic location not only in Spain, but also in Europe. Moreover, it has institutions such as Invest In Madrid, which greatly facilitate the landing and establishment of new companies in the region. But, above all, I would tell them to take advantage of the energy and talent here: it is an ideal place to innovate and grow in any business sector.