Five million miles and counting: a global journey in insurance 
Faces of Insurance

Five million miles and counting: a global journey in insurance 

By: Kirsty Plank

In this book, we pack our suitcases and travel the world with the inimitable Ron Berler.

DOWNLOAD PDF
READ EDITION

From Australia to the Amazon, Ron Berler has been there, built friendships and written profitable business along the way; his six-decade-long career reads like a travelogue.


Rarely in one country for more than a few months at a time, Ron has combined his professional skills in insurance with a lifelong passion for travel, gathering an incredible collection of anecdotes and experiences along the way.

Ron's story is one of the value of hard work, skill, a little luck, but most importantly, the value of real human relationships in an industry fast embracing the digital.  

Join us as we travel with Ron through his remarkable career! 

TESTIMONIALS

Steve Pires

Former Chairman Marine & Energy at Marsh

David J.A. Mew

Vice Chairman, Global Placement, Marsh Canada

Diego Ventosa

Energy & Infrastructure Growth Leader, Willis

Barry F. Lorenzetti

C.M., Ch.O.M., Chief Executive Officer, Chair of the Board of Directors and Founder of BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Inc.

Adam D. Roberts

Associate General Counsel – Underwriting & Reinsurance Starr Insurance Holdings, Inc

Steve Blakey

Chairman of Insurance Operations, Starr

Mark Kabierschke

Head Caribbean and Central America, WTW

Andrew Perry

CEO Latin America & Caribbean, Lockton Specialties L.L.C

Dan Glaser

Former CEO Marsh McLennan Operating Partner Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

I’ve known Ron for over 30 years. We worked together at Marsh dating back to 1993 and there are three things that come to mind when I think of Ron’s career and success in business: 1) His in-depth knowledge and understanding of worldwide property issues is unparalleled in my estimation. 2) He loves his clients and will continually try to deliver the best solutions for their problems. 3) He is passionate about his love for the business as evidenced by his six decades of underwriting, broking and consulting career.
When looking over Ron’s extensive career spanning over 50 years in both Canada & the US as an Underwriter and Broker you are dealing with one of the most experienced and professional Insurance experts I have ever met. Ron approached all he did with enthusiasm, transparency and discipline, always putting the client first and always took that extra step to make sure the job was done right. No detail however small enough was not given his full attention and dealt with appropriately. On a personal note, I have known Ron since I was a ‘wet behind the ears London broker’ who moved to Canada and was thrust into the spotlight with some of Canada largest energy accounts. Ron was patient, kind, gave me sage advise and has continued to do that for over 40 years. They broke the ‘mold’ when they made Ron - he is a true Insurance Industry legend.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ron Berler for twenty-five years across different parts of the world, both when he worked as a broker and an underwriter. Ron brings a unique perspective that makes every deal that he is involved in smoother, smarter, and successful. It is fair to say that his mental agility has set him apart from the rest throughout his lengthy tenure atop the insurance industry. His commercial savviness has proved essential when dealing with complex situations and varying market trends. He is known far and wide for his everlasting motor, his drive and passion for excellence continues to set a pace that even the most ambitious newcomers struggle to match. His skills as a shrewd negotiator are only matched by his love for fine dining. He is well known in the Spanish Insurance Market as Señor Jamón, a nod to his refined palate and unmistakable presence at the dinner table. He is clearly a globetrotter at heart as demonstrated by his recurring Concierge Key status- a reflection of not just frequent travel, but a deep familiarity with the rhythms of international life, elite service expectations, and the kind of mobility that only comes with a truly global lifestyle. Clearly the day he decides to hang his hat, Starr will lose one of their most valuable assets.
When asked when he would retire, Richard Branson once said that he didn't see why he would ever stop doing something he loved. I believe that sentiment applies perfectly to Ron Berler. I've had the privilege of knowing Ron for over four decades as we have followed each other's careers throughout the years. Ron is a rare kind of leader—one whose authenticity, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on everyone who has worked alongside him during his career. I have often called him "old school" and that is intended to be a compliment.What sets Ron apart is not just his expertise, honesty and experience, but the way he applies it: with integrity, foresight, and a deep understanding of our business. His ability to anticipate market shifts, build strategic relationships, and deliver results has made him a respected figure across the insurance and risk management community. His approach is strategic, guided by his clear vision for where the industry is headed. His leadership is grounded in experience, and his decisions reflect a long-term view that has proven successful time and again.Over the years, our paths have often crossed, and I've always admired his passion and dedication to building something impactful. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, it is leaders like Ron we need, someone we can count on and who brings knowledge, builds trust, and adopts a forward-thinking approach.His contributions deserve recognition, not only for what he has accomplished, but also for the standard he continues to set. Don't you ever retire!
Ron is a force of nature. He has more energy than those half his age, but with the benefit of the skill and wisdom that comes with his long and distinguished career. He remains on the cutting edge of the industry. Ron does not suffer fools, but he is always thoughtful and fair. It has been my great pleasure to work with Ron and I consider him a trusted colleague and friend.
Ron Berler has earned legendary status in our industry and especially here at Starr. Over the past 15 years, his deep technical expertise and exceptional ability to connect with brokers and clients have been pivotal to our success in property both domestically and internationally. Ron's direct, no-nonsense approach is always appreciated. He gets straight to the heart of the matter and drives meaningful progress. While he occasionally takes a maverick path, it's always with purpose and a clear focus on doing what's right. Grateful to have Ron as part of the Starr team.
Solving a problem for Ron Berler is a milestone for anyone who has worked in insurance. I count myself among those fortunate enough to have had that opportunity—an experience that allowed me to learn, collaborate with him, and appreciate one of his key fundamentals: trust. Since then, it has been an honor to share many dinners, lunches, and the occasional meeting with him, where his vast range of experiences—spanning decades and continents, dating back to 1964 when he first entered the insurance industry—resonate with the depth of a PhD lecture among friends. Ron is always in search of the best deal, and his business savvy is well known and respected throughout the market. His opinion is consistently balanced and fair, yet most importantly, it is uniquely his own. I deeply admire his ability to be present in so many places, tirelessly seeking face-to-face interactions, knowing that a good conversation over a meal will always outshine any email or call. There is no doubt that Ron is one of the most remarkable figures in the insurance market—someone who has witnessed it from many corners, through both good times and tough times. Always steady, he shares his knowledge generously, one of success and a truly rewarding career.
There is no doubt that Ron is a towering figure in the insurance market, particularly in the Latin America & Caribbean region, and it has been a pleasure to work with him over many years. Both as a Broker and Underwriter, he has always been a tremendous client advocate and a go-to person, particularly if you need a solution for a large or complex risk. He is a professional with incredible experience, deep technical knowledge and strong principles, always available and never one to shy away from confronting issues head-on to produce a workable outcome for all parties. I recall many occasions calling Ron on a difficult issue, which he would approach from an angle I had not previously considered, and coming away with a positive solution. I have always admired Ron for his expertise and the strength of his convictions, often leading to passionate discussions, however, always directed at working out an acceptable deal. And probably most important of all, Ron is great company, always interesting to talk to socially, and he can regale you of industry stories you were not aware of or had long ago forgotten – there is never a dull moment when Ron is around! Thank you for your partnership over the years Ron and sincere congratulations for everything you have achieved in your incredible career so far.
I am delighted to share my thoughts about Ron Berler, a cherished friend and colleague with whom I have had the privilege of working in the global insurance industry for over 40 years. Ron's dedication and passion for our industry are truly unparalleled. His depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to excellence have been a constant source of inspiration for everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him. Ron's innovative approach, keen insight, and exceptional energy have consistently driven impactful results, earning him immense respect and admiration from peers and industry leaders alike. Ron began his career as an underwriter, but in his heart, he is more of a broker and producer. I have witnessed firsthand his boundless energy and his reputation as a 'travel animal'. If anyone can do it, Ron can. What truly sets Ron apart as a relationship manager is his steadfast devotion to clients. Ron has a unique talent for turning complicated industry matters into clear, actionable advice, making him an invaluable asset to any team or client he serves. Beyond his professional prowess, Ron's integrity, kindness, wit, and genuine enthusiasm make him a joy to know. I am honored to contribute to this tribute in recognition of Mr. Berler's enduring legacy. His passion for the industry is evident in everything he does, and his reputation for excellence is well-deserved

AUTHORS

Kirsty Plank

Kirsty Plank

Executive Director and Board Member - Full Circle Communications

Kirsty Plank knew she wanted to write for a living from an early age.  
It was a chance offer of a job in insurance that sowed the seeds of Kirsty’s future career. After working in claims for several years, a move into PR beckoned, and she spent the next four years managing the PR and social media for UK insurer, Covéa Insurance. It was here that Kirsty found that she could turn her passion for writing into a career.  
Kirsty has always been fascinated by the human mind and curious about the stories that lie within each of us. It was partly this curiosity which drove her to complete a degree in Psychology and Criminology through the Open University.  
Today, Kirsty is an Executive Director and Board Member for London-based insurance PR and Communications business Full Circle Communications.