Convex executive helps set record Pacific crossing

A team of reinsurance executives including Convex head of investments Theresa “Tia” Patricios have set a world record for a mixed gender team rowing from North America to Hawaii.

On board the Iron Ore vessel, Patricios and Cameron Parker, Head P&C structured solutions Continental Europe & Africa at Swiss Re, completed the race in 34 days, 8 hours and 22 minutes. Also on board, battling gruelling conditions, were Swiss Re chapter lead Stuart Thompson and iptiQ software engineer Andrei Celovschi (Celo).

Bermuda-based Convex said the race, described as the "World's Toughest Row", began on June 12 in Monterey, California, and saw 13 teams rowing 2,800 miles competing to arrive first in their category to Kauai, Hawaii.

The crossing also saw the symbolic signing of a quota share reinsurance contract in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 1,300 nautical miles from shore.

“After some last minute, high-seas haggling, Parker and Patricios signed the treaty and further strengthened the relationship between Convex and Swiss Re,” Convex said.

Patricios said: “This has been an arduous but ultimately thrilling journey and I’m immensely proud of my fellow crew members. Completing this race is rewarding enough, but to have set a world record is just astounding".

Parker said: "My vision for this row from the start was to unite the reinsurance industry behind a project which provides a unique and fast track opportunity for personal growth and shines a light on one of the greatest risks facing our industry – mental health.”  

You can watch the team's emotional arrival here. It starts at the 12 minute mark.

The team is still working to raise awareness for mental health and GBP £100k for Mind, please support their cause and make a donation to Mind here.