Mark Wood

Insurance expert and finance speaker, Mark Wood is the former CEO of both Axa UK and Prudential UK & Europe. He is also the Chairman of Paternoster, and one of the most successful financiers in the country. Due to his long standing career at the peak of economic advancements, Mark's speeches provide audiences with a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, making him the ideal industry speaker.

Trained as an economist, Mark has extensive experience of insurance, auditing, stocks and pensions. As a board member for some of the biggest companies in both England and America, including Barclays, Lloyd’s of London, and the AA, he is greatly respected for his company-defining advice. Mark’s successful turnaround of Prudential helped them to become one of the leading insurers in the British market, and earned him global acclaim for his positive influence. The turnaround was the subject of a case study by the International Institute for Management Development.

Mark is considered one of the most well respected business speakers and finance experts in the UK, while his work in the insurance industry has changed the fortunes of several high profile businesses. He holds the key to market leadership, an ability that sets Mark apart from other industry speakers. When booked for events, he doesn't just offer financial theories but actionable strategies influenced by his incredibly successful career. Interesting and informative, an expert like Mark can revolutionise his corporate audiences' business processes.

In 2005, Mark launched his own insurance company, Paternoster, which takes on the risks inherent in defined benefit pensions and final salaries. Working as their CEO, Mark secured backing from Deutsche Bank worth £500 million. For entrepreneurial audiences, Mark provides the essential steps for securing business investment. Aside from being a financier, Mark is the Chairman of British children’s charity, NSPCC, and was responsible for the Full Stop campaign which raised more than £250 million. When booked for charity events, Mark can eloquently promote good causes, motivated by his previous experience with NSPCC and the Full Stop campaign.

Mark's work as a finance speaker, business leader and insurance expert has led him to provide insightful commentary on current events for the press, both in the United Kingdom and America. His knowledge of pensions, insurance and auditing has garnered invitations from the BBC, Sky News and CNN. When attending corporate conferences, Mark expands upon his globally respected insight, providing audiences with a behind the scenes view into international economies.