Head of Marketing

Personal bio: Mariame Melissa Vásquez Fuentes is a seasoned professional in the reinsurance and captive management sector, currently serving as head of marketing for Mandarin Re. Throughout her professional journey, she has developed deep expertise in the incorporation and management of reinsurance captives. Her career also includes a background in marketing and advertising, and she is a certified public translator fluent in both Spanish and English.

Mariame is the founder of Helykon Group, a consultancy providing tailored solutions for the captive reinsurance market. Her knowledge of the industry and dedication to confidentiality have positioned her as a trusted and respected figure. Since 2019, she has also offered director services for economic groups and companies, leveraging her extensive executive experience

Committed to transparency, integrity, and client-focused service, Mariame leads with a vision for excellence. Beyond her corporate roles, she is a strong advocate for financial education and the economic empowerment of women and communities. Her leadership extends to mentoring women and youth, fostering growth and development in the industry and beyond.

Could you share any insights or experiences you have had in the captive insurance industry? What types of companies have you assisted in captive formation, and what specific risks were they aiming to protect against?

Captive reinsurance is an industry that has experienced remarkable growth and expansion, especially among small and medium-sized groups of companies. This model offers significant economic benefits, allowing companies to fully understand their risks and access privileged sectors such as traditional reinsurance markets. In addition, adopting captive insurance favors the development of the reinsurance industry in general, as it contributes to incorporating new players in the market and strengthening competition and innovation.

I have worked mainly with clients in Latin America, and some in Europe and Africa. These clients come from diverse sectors, such as insurance companies, banks, hospitals, hotels, shopping malls, the food industry, and funeral services. Sometimes, clients lack clarity about the specific risks they aim to safeguard, but our role as a captive manager and advisor guarantees that companies hold licenses across a wide range of business sectors.

This business offers opportunities, so clients must be ready to take them. They typically consider risks that pertain to their personal relationships.

How has your previous experience prepared you for your current role?

Throughout my career, I have learnt that every experience counts. I started as a receptionist in this industry, where I acquired fundamental knowledge of back office management. Over time, I specialised in underwriting facultative business and became involved in marketing, organising conferences, and managing branding topics.

Eight years ago, I was allowed to lead the captive and cell management portfolio, which permitted me to put into practice everything I had learned. I believe it is crucial to have mentors who guide us and share their knowledge and experiences in professional life, and to surround ourselves with a team where everyone rotates and nurtures leadership. In this industry, there is always something new to learn.

It is a very specific field, and understanding it is key to offering customers products and services tailored to their needs.

Based on your experience, what would you say are the key benefits of working in this industry?

It is a highly specialised sector that offers many opportunities for growth and development. Understanding the incorporation and management of captives and cells gives us a competitive advantage over other professionals. It is a high-end business, allowing us to connect with owners of economic groups, which we in this industry refer to as ‘VIP Clients’. This subject is so valuable to me that I am writing a book about it.

During my literature search, I discovered a dearth of substantial sections devoted to the subject. This niche has excellent growth potential.

Can you name your main influences in the industry?

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