Its consumer launch may have been moved to November from the initially planned third quarter unveiling, but buzzvault insurance has wasted no time in ramping up.
Announcing the doubling of its team size ahead of rollout, buzzvault said new members include chief technology officer John Sotiropoulos, head of pricing Paul Vinten (pictured, left), chief marketing officer Chris Sherlock (pictured, middle), and head of content Alex Cherry (pictured, right).
Sotiropoulos is a blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity expert who brings to the table a proven track record with successful start-ups and award-winning products. Currently he is completing a distance-learning Master of Science in cybersecurity accredited by the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).
Meanwhile Vinten, who has worked with new ventures, has nearly 10 years of experience in personal lines pricing. Digital marketing expert Sherlock, meanwhile, has an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies and their commercial applications, backed by his more than 25 years of know-how.
Cherry, who will look to engage with potential buzzvault customers across all channels, previously worked in insurance publishing and events. His appointment as content head will allow him to not only talk about insurtech but actually be part of it.
“We are launching a completely new concept in home insurance with integrity, simplicity, and transparency at its heart,” commented buzzvault chief executive Becky Downing. “Under the leadership of Charlotte Halkett (MD buzzvault product) and Darius Medora (MD buzzvault operations), our team is getting ready to solve many of the problems the sector has faced due to a home insurance process that has been overcomplicated for too long, leaving consumers at risk of underinsurance.”
With backing from Munich Re unit Digital Partners, buzzvault uses what is described as the world’s first asset vault to be built on the blockchain. Through the buzzvault app, policyholders will be able to digitally catalogue and securely store details of their home contents for personalised cover.
“buzzvault is going to transform home insurance by putting customers in control through their contents data,” said Downing. “That means we need people who get how big a deal this is and aren’t afraid to challenge the accepted ways of doing things. This is insurance but not as you know it.”
