How my career in surety has take me around the world

Guilherme Henrich could easily be described as ambitious and adventurous – or as a risk taker. His career has seen him work in his native Brazil as well as Colombia, Australia and the UK. He has worked as an engineer, a consultant and now Head of Business Development for Global Surety at Allianz Trade. He believes there are three factors underpinning his success: an open mind, a hunger for knowledge and a supportive family.

I started my career over 25 years ago; I’ve been around a little bit! And it wasn’t actually a linear journey. I trained first as an engineer and worked in that field for several years, mainly in Brazil. I also studied for an MSc and MBA­ in Brazil, then did a PhD in project and production management in construction in Manchester, the UK. During my PhD, I attended a Lean Construction conference in Sydney and, practically the moment I arrived, I fell in love with Australia. So, I applied for a permanent resident visa and in 2009 my wife, son and I started our international adventure.

I found a job soon after as civil engineer superintendent at a large firm in Western Australia. However, we then, unfortunately, faced a challenging family health scare. In a twist of fate, the best specialists in this area were not only based in Brazil but in our hometown! So that situation culminated in our decision to return to Brazil in 2011. Little did we know that it would be the start of something completely new.

It was my brother – and very good friend – Gustavo who opened the door to my career in surety. When we went back to Brazil in 2011, he mentioned that his company, a joint venture between two important surety players from Brazil and the US, was looking for a risk controller. With a push from Gustavo, I applied and got the job. It’s been an exciting journey so far. And for that, I’m thankful to my brother.

The company I was working for in Brazil later acquired a startup in Colombia and asked me to head it up as Executive Vice President. That was a really great experience, and I learned a huge amount. However, by 2019, my adventure ache had returned. My family and I, now with my daughter, too, wanted to try Australia again – this time in surety.

The company I had been working for in Colombia didn’t have any offices in Australia, so I took a chance and moved without a job. Luck, and hard work, were on my side, and I found a role as Senior Commercial Surety Underwriter at Allianz Trade within two months of looking.

Allianz Trade surety appealed to me for a number of reasons. First, its parent company Allianz Group is the world’s number one insurer. Second, the impressive international network – there are 300 surety professionals working in six regions and 24 countries. And finally, the team itself: we have a really experienced senior management team here, who encourage open dialogue, provide solid guidance and invest in career development, and promote international mobility.

I’ve taken advantage of that mobility myself, relocating to London with my family in 2023!

I would say, “do it all again.”

I’m proud of my career journey, for believing in my potential and taking on challenges. Through my moves, I’ve grown more aware and had amazing experiences in cultures very different from my own. I’ve met some incredible team mates. And I’ve tried my best to remain genuine, kind and supportive along the way.

Most importantly, I’m proud of my family; I couldn’t have done any of it without them, especially my wife Karina, who has been by my side for 20 years.