Matthew Shaw skipped university to get into the working world as fast as he could. Now he heads up Tokio Marine Kiln, one of the world’s leading insurers. He tells us how he did it, and the best advice he got on the way, in this week’s Square Mile and Me

CV

• Name: Matthew Shaw
• Title: CEO of Tokio Marine Kiln
• Previous roles: Various CUO/CEO roles
• Age: 60
• Born: Lancing in Sussex
• Lives: Chislehurst Kent
• Talents: Few and far between these days!
• Motto: Always add value
• Coffee order: Double espresso
• Cocktail order: Mojito
• Favourite book: Prisoners of Geography

What was your first job?

I had a painting and decorating holiday job while I was at school in Shoreham by Sea in Sussex. It paid £1 per hour, and I worked 40-hour weeks accompanied by an hour walk each way to get there and back. All so I could buy some LPs and flared corduroy trousers – now that is showing my age!

What was your first role in the City or insurance world?

I was a box assistant for a small Lloyd’s managing agency called Gravett & Tilling in 1982. I went into it straight from school, skipping university to get into the working world as fast as........

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