Bronek Masojada is a name that resonates strongly within both the global insurance sector and the civic landscape of the City of London. Recognised for his decades-long career as the chief executive officer of Hiscox, as well as his leadership roles across various boards and charitable organisations, Masojada exemplifies a rare blend of business acumen and public service. His journey from South Africa to the heart of London’s financial and insurance industries illustrates not only personal ambition but also a commitment to building institutions that matter.
Early Life and Education
Bronek Masojada was born in Durban, South Africa, in December 1961. His family heritage is Polish, and his upbringing reflected both European traditions and the diverse influences of South African society. From a young age, he displayed a talent for leadership and analytical thinking, qualities that would later shape his professional trajectory.
He pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, gaining technical skills and problem-solving abilities that remain evident in his management style. Awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, he advanced his studies at Trinity College, Oxford, where he completed a Master of Philosophy in Management Studies. This combination of engineering discipline and management education laid the foundation for his analytical, structured, yet people-focused approach to leadership.
Early Career Foundations
After completing his studies, Masojada joined the international consultancy McKinsey & Company in 1989. Over the course of four years, he worked with clients across multiple industries, developing expertise in strategy and corporate transformation. His time at McKinsey was not merely a stepping stone but an important period in which he honed the skills of evidence-based decision-making and collaborative leadership.
It was during these years that Masojada developed his reputation as a problem solver capable of balancing technical detail with strategic vision. This reputation attracted the attention of Hiscox, the specialist insurance firm that would define the bulk of his professional career.
Transformation of Hiscox
In 1993, Bronek Masojada joined Hiscox as Group Managing Director. At that time, the company was a respected but relatively modest player in the London insurance market, with revenues of around £400 million. Within seven years, he rose to the position of chief executive officer, a role he would hold for more than two decades.
Under his leadership, Hiscox grew into a global force in insurance and reinsurance, with revenues reaching close to £4 billion and operations spanning multiple continents. The transformation of Hiscox was not achieved through reckless expansion but through a clear strategy: focus on specialist insurance lines, maintain disciplined underwriting, and nurture a strong corporate culture.
Masojada was known for his insistence on transparency, accountability, and long-term thinking. He frequently emphasised that Hiscox’s success relied on careful risk management and the ability to adapt to new challenges, including digital transformation and climate-related risks. His tenure positioned Hiscox among the FTSE 100 companies and made it a symbol of how disciplined management can achieve global growth without compromising integrity.
Influence in the London Market
Beyond Hiscox, Bronek Masojada has been a key figure in shaping the London insurance market. From 2001 to 2007, he served as Deputy Chairman of Lloyd’s of London, one of the world’s oldest and most influential insurance markets. His influence extended to initiatives designed to modernise processes and ensure Lloyd’s remained competitive in a globalising world.
He also chaired the Lloyd’s Tercentenary Research Foundation between 2008 and 2014, supporting academic work that enriched understanding of risk, insurance, and finance. Through these roles, Masojada demonstrated his belief in combining practice with scholarship, ensuring that the industry is grounded in both real-world experience and cutting-edge research.
Leadership Beyond Hiscox
When Masojada stepped down as CEO of Hiscox in 2021, he did not retire quietly. Instead, he took on new challenges and opportunities to influence business and civic life.
He was appointed Chair of SiriusPoint, a global insurer and reinsurer, in 2023. His role here is particularly significant as SiriusPoint seeks to expand its international presence and strengthen its foundations in specialty insurance. His reputation as a steady, visionary leader was instrumental in this appointment.
In addition, Masojada serves as Chair of Placing Platform Limited, which is at the forefront of digitising transactions in the London insurance market. This reflects his ongoing interest in innovation and the modernisation of industry processes. He is also Chair of Saltus Ltd, a wealth management firm, and sits on the boards of several other organisations, including Pool Re and Brown & Brown.
Civic Contributions and Public Service
What distinguishes Bronek Masojada from many other business leaders is his parallel dedication to civic duty. Since 2019, he has served as Alderman for Billingsgate Ward in the City of London. This position involves active engagement with the governance of the City, bridging the interests of businesses, residents, and wider society.
In 2023, he was elected Sheriff of the City of London, one of the oldest civic offices in Britain. The role involves supporting the Lord Mayor, promoting the City’s financial and professional services, and upholding its centuries-old traditions.
Masojada’s civic journey does not end there. He has been recommended, subject to election, to become the Lord Mayor of London in 2027/28. If elected, he would serve as the 699th Lord Mayor, further cementing his legacy as both a business leader and a civic figure.
Commitment to Community and Charity
Charitable involvement is another defining element of Masojada’s career. He chairs the East End Community Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of communities in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and the City of London. This work reflects his deep commitment to social responsibility and his belief that successful leaders must give back to society.
He has also held leadership roles in livery companies, such as serving as Master of the Worshipful Company of Insurers. These positions not only strengthen his connection to the traditions of the City of London but also underline his commitment to philanthropy, mentorship, and professional development.
Personal Life and Family
Behind the professional achievements lies a personal story of family and balance. Bronek Masojada married Jane Lamont in 1986. Jane is a figurative and portrait artist whose creativity offers a counterbalance to the analytical world of insurance. The couple live in Surrey and have five children.
Outside of work, Masojada enjoys an active lifestyle that includes mountain biking, kite-surfing, and beekeeping. His hobbies reflect his appreciation for challenge, nature, and sustainability. His family history is also notable; his great-aunt, Felicja Masojada, was recognised as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem for sheltering Jewish refugees during the Second World War.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
What explains Masojada’s long-lasting success? His leadership style is marked by discipline, strategic clarity, and a respect for people. He is known for balancing caution with ambition, never chasing growth for its own sake but ensuring that every step contributes to sustainable value creation.
He places a high value on culture, often noting that organisations succeed not only through strategy and capital but through people who share values and work with integrity. His focus on digital transformation within the insurance market demonstrates his forward-thinking approach, while his civic service reflects his broader understanding of leadership as a responsibility to community as well as shareholders.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Bronek Masojada’s legacy is already secure. He transformed Hiscox into a global leader, influenced the development of Lloyd’s, and continues to shape the future of insurance through his board roles. At the same time, his civic engagement points to an enduring commitment to public service.
Looking ahead, his anticipated future role as Lord Mayor of London will give him a platform to champion not only the insurance industry but also the wider financial and professional services sectors. His combination of global business leadership and civic dedication makes him uniquely placed to represent the City of London at home and abroad.
Conclusion
Bronek Masojada represents the kind of leadership that bridges business success with civic duty. His journey from Durban to the Square Mile reflects a life shaped by education, professional achievement, and a sense of responsibility to society. From transforming Hiscox into a FTSE 100 company to serving as Sheriff of the City of London, his achievements demonstrate both personal discipline and vision for collective progress.
As he continues to serve in leading corporate and civic roles, Bronek Masojada remains an example of how one individual can influence both the marketplace and the community. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and responsibility—qualities that define not only a successful career but also a meaningful life.
