Brigitte is the longest standing board member of BELRIM and was the first woman on our board. Two important reasons to present her to you.
1) How did you become a Risk Manager? Was it a choice or a coincidence that you ended up in this job?
I became Risk Manager by choice. I started my career working for reinsurance brokers, working on major risks like oil rigs or satellites.
I have always been interested by the industrial aspect of the business . I have tried to combine my interests for technical as well as economical matters.
Last but not least, the discovery of other cultures, sensitivity, have led me to look for a job at an international level.
2) Having been a board member since 1987, what are the most important evolutions you noticed in Belrim and in the profession of the Risk Manager?
When I joined Belrim, there were very few female members.
As Board member I was the only one, until 1990 when Marie Dequae joined the Board as well.
The profession of the risk manager has developed a lot over the last 20 years.
When I worked for a previous employer, I proposed them to develop the risk management function instead of just dealing with insurance. There was no interest for this, my boss had never heard about it and did not want to pay any attention to this proposal.
Luckily, today, things have changed. Within companies, there is more and more awareness about the subject.
3) What are the advantages of being a woman in a men’s world of risk managers?
I do not think there is an advantage (or a disadvantage) of being a woman in the world of risk managers.
When joining my group in 1989, they were looking for a man.
Like everyone, you need to defend your position by being professional, accurate, creative, well organized, a good communicator etc...
4) What are your recommendations to the ladies in this line of business?
Be as professional as you can!
5) Apart from your job at RECTICEL and your mandate at the BELRIM board, what other interests do you have?
I love being with my family, reading books, and practising some sports.
