About Select 74

Vicki Livingstone

I’m the Propositions Manager at Swiss Re with nearly 20 years of experience in underwriting within both insurance and reinsurance sectors. My extensive background and expertise allow me to helps share knowledge within the industry.

I’ve recently joined the Select 74 committee, where I’m committed to contributing to the professional development and networking opportunities the group offers. Living on the outskirts of London, I love travelling to new places and meeting new people, often referring to my suitcase as my best friend!

Gareth Matthews

I’ve been the Chief Underwriter for Hannover Re UK since 2020, having moved back to the UK from Ireland where I held the same role. My responsibilities include underwriting and claims operations, strategy, philosophy and research and development and I’m especially interested in innovation, genetics and genomics as well as behavioural science.

Personal interests typically include getting into nature, some sort of socialising and – once a keen footballer before hanging up my boots – watching footie (and rugby) for my continued
sporting fix.

Martin Doughty (Chair)

I am a Technical Claims Consultant, working in the Claims  Governance team at  Aviva. I have 30 years of experience in Protection claims with Aviva and prior to that with NatWest/RBS. I really enjoy the varied nature of my role and the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives at their time of need. I am delighted to be a member of the Select 74 committee since 2023 and use my experience to help plan sessions that will help claims and underwriting staff  increase and develop their knowledge, as well as network with others in the industry. From 2025, I’ve taken on the Chair role.

Outside of work, most of my time revolves around my young family and  trying to keep fit and healthy through swimming, cycling and badminton. I also like to use the volunteering time allowed by Aviva, to take part in activities to help my local community.

Jen Phillips

I’m a Development Underwriter at Legal and General, with 25 years of experience in the protection industry. My previous work in a training role fostered a passion for providing continuing professional development opportunities for underwriting and claims professionals at all stages of their careers. I joined the Select 74 committee in 2019, and represent the club on the LUCID 2025 committee.

Away from underwriting, I have a keen interest in family and local history. I am a Qualified Genealogist (QG) and have undertaken postgraduate study (MSc Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies) at the University of Strathclyde.

Jon Rowlands

I’m a Senior Underwriting Specialist at Gen Re with over 25 years’ experience in direct office and reinsurance underwriting with experience across all product lines with a particular interest in Income Protection and Group business.  One of the many things I enjoy about my role at Gen Re is meeting new people and being able to share my knowledge and with this is mind I very much enjoy the training role that I hold at our Business School in Cologne.  I joined the Select 74 committee in 2022 having held a previous role at the HIS in Ireland.

Outside of work I enjoy travel, running, gigging and following Spurs, Surrey and England cricket.

Chris Wright

I’ve had the pleasure of working in various roles across underwriting & claims over the past 23 years, both in direct insurance and reinsurance. I joined RGA in early 2025 and help support our underwriting clients in the UK. My role gives me the opportunity to work with multiple direct offices and expand my experience in the industry. Most of my underwriting career has focused on the high-net-worth market. I’m passionate about helping clients write complex financial protection.

Outside of work, I’m busy driving my two boys around to their sports, music and drama activities which take up most of my evenings!  When I do get abit of downtime, I love being outdoors and am working on improving my (still very amateur) photography skills

Dale Woodward

I am the Principal Underwriting Consultant at iPipeline, with 25 years’ experience in underwriting and underwriting development within the protection sector I am passionate about developing improvements in protection processes and underwriting strategies.

I’m part of the Select 74 committee to contribute to the running of this important education and networking group, helping to bring the industry together.

Living in Swindon I enjoy sport, Golf, F1 and Football (if my team wins).

Tracy Gibson-Giles

I’ve spent nearly 30 years in the financial services sector, with 20 of those years dedicated to underwriting. My career has taken me through various roles in both large and small direct offices, and I’m now part of Munich Re’s Reinsurance team.

I’ve found that Reinsurance offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, and I’m enjoying the diverse perspectives and experiences it brings. I feel fortunate to have found a niche that genuinely fascinates me, and I’ve been continually inspired by the evolving nature of underwriting.

I joined Select 74 in June 2025, I’m excited to contribute my expertise and insights to the group, and I’m looking forward to learning from others as well.

live in the South West. I am kept busy with my two adult sons, three rescue dogs and wider family. In my spare time, I enjoy supporting Bristol City,  reading, attending live music events, and supporting animal welfare causes, a cause that is very important to me.

Marie-Claude Sutherland

I am an experienced insurance industry leader with a strong background in customer service and disability management. Since June 2024, I have been Team Lead on the Protection Team at Canada Life, specialising in all aspects of group income protection claims.

Originally from Canada, I relocated to the UK in November 2023. Prior to joining Canada Life, I worked as a Supervisor and Claims Case Manager for various insurers in Canada. I am passionate about mental health and am a dedicated advocate for mental wellbeing within the insurance sector.

I joined Select 74 to connect with other professionals in the insurance industry and to share best practices. Outside of work, I enjoy football, reading, and spending time with my family.

Vivienne O’Brien

I began underwriting many years ago at Norwich Union Dublin, then moving onto a Bancassurer and am now a Senior Underwriter at SCOR having been with the company almost 20 years. With many years working in this industry, far too many to remember, I have extensive experience across all lines of business in both the Irish and UK protection markets!

Underwriting is an ever-changing landscape that continually reshapes with medical advancements and technology and for me, it remains a fascinating discipline that I continue to enjoy. I have been a member of the Select committee since 2022 which provides a great opportunity to meet underwriting and claims professionals, network and assist with professional development. Outside of my role as an underwriter, I enjoy the gym, walking our goldendoodle Maddie alongside spending quality time with my family. I have an interest in cystic fibrosis as my daughter was diagnosed at 4 weeks old. She is now 13, happy and very, very well thanks to the life-changing modulators available to her.

Emily Clark

I am a Senior Underwriter at Pacific Life Re. With over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, as well as experience in all product lines, my passion lies in continuous learning and fostering connections across the industry, while also providing opportunities for others to grow. In 2018, I became a member of Select 74, and in 2023, I was appointed Chair.

Additionally, I am the vice chair of LUCID. Outside of work, my time is happily occupied by my 4-year-old (who acts like a 14-year-old!) and my King Charles Cavalier, Ralph