Jalal Sarris

Senior Insurance Executive with 26+ years of experience in the UAE market, specializing in Motor Insurance across underwriting, claims, and reinsurance. Proven track record of managing AED 200M+ Motor Insurance portfolios with full P&L ownership and combined ratio accountability, delivering sustained improvements in loss ratios and long-term profitability. Extensive executive experience in building and leading insurance functions, strengthening governance, and ensuring compliance with UAE regulations (CBUAE) and IFRS 17 frameworks.

Trusted partner to regulators, reinsurers, brokers, and government clients, with a strong focus on performance, risk control, and operational excellence. Known for transforming underperforming portfolios into profitable business units and driving underwriting discipline in competitive UAE insurance markets. Proven leader in portfolio turnaround, underwriting discipline, and insurance transformation across the region.

Insurance Manager | Insurance Business Management & Strategic Partnerships at Al Zaabi Group (2025-01 – Present)

• Manage the company's overall insurance portfolio, acting as the primary liaison between the organization, insurance companies, and brokerage partners to ensure effective insurance solutions and service delivery.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with insurers and brokers, leading negotiations on policy terms, coverage structures, premiums, renewals, and contractual arrangements to achieve optimal value.
• Oversee the placement, administration, and renewal of corporate insurance programs, ensuring alignment with business requirements and risk management objectives.
• Coordinate with insurers, brokers, and internal stakeholders on policy issuance, endorsements, claims support, and resolution of insurance related matters.
• Analyze market offerings, monitor insurer and broker performance, and recommend improvements to coverage, cost efficiency, and portfolio management strategies.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior management on insurance performance, renewal status, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

Head of Claims – Motor Insurance at SALAMA (2023-07 – 2023-12)

• Directed end-to-end motor claims operations in line with regulatory and internal governance standards.
• Led and mentored claims adjusters and coordinators, improving productivity and service quality.
• Oversaw claims adjudication, fraud investigation, recoveries, and third-party negotiations.
• Implemented KPIs and dashboards, improving turnaround time and cost control.
• Managed vendor relationships (repair garages, surveyors, legal advisors) to ensure quality and cost efficiency.

Head of Motor Insurance Department at YAS Takaful (formerly Al Hilal Takaful) (2009-01 – 2022-10)

Key Achievements

• Held full P&L responsibility for the Motor portfolio, including underwriting, claims, and combined ratio performance.
• Head-hunted to establish and lead the Motor Department during company formation.
• Built full department structure, policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Won and retained the largest government motor tender (AED 50M) from 2011 onward.
• Grew broker-driven portfolio to AED 80M across multiple lines of business.
• Managed and expanded a motor portfolio exceeding AED 200M across direct, broker, and bancassurance channels.
• Reduced motor loss ratio from 125% to 80% within three years.
• Secured competitive reinsurance treaties through strong relationships with reinsurers and brokers.
• Oversaw underwriting, claims, and pricing functions to deliver portfolio profitability and performance targets.
• Developed underwriting guidelines, claims frameworks, and reporting standards.
• Led annual budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews.
• Partnered with Reinsurance to review risks exceeding treaty limits and manage exposures.
• Oversaw system automation and workflow optimization in collaboration with IT.
• Produced management reports on production, renewals, claims performance, and loss ratios.
• Recruited, developed, and retained high-performing underwriting and claims teams.
• Ensured compliance with UAE regulatory frameworks and internal governance standards.
• Aligned underwriting, claims, and reinsurance functions to drive profitability and risk control.
• Led team of 25+ professionals across underwriting, claims, and operations.

Manager – Motor Insurance Department at Al Khazna Insurance Company (1998-02 – 2008-12)

• Managed motor underwriting, claims, and recovery operations across head office and branches.
• Developed analytical models to forecast claims trends and support pricing decisions.
• Led process re-engineering initiatives to improve efficiency and control.
• Collaborated with IT to design and implement the motor insurance system; authored user manuals and documentation.
• Maintained profitable client portfolios through innovative product offerings and service optimization.
• Provided senior management with market intelligence, competitor analysis, and performance reports.

Accounting Diploma in Accounting – Oriental Establishment College

Diploma in Management Information Systems – Al Khawarizmi Center