Mwangi Nelson

Business development and underwriting professional with 10+ years driving distribution growth and product-market fit across Kenya's insurance sector — the same core problems insurtechs solve: reaching underserved customers, building trust in new products, and managing risk at scale. Built an insurance agency from zero to a functioning distribution operation, then used it to launch agriculture and livestock cover into a rural market with no prior insurance penetration, growing policy uptake among local farmers. Experienced training and coordinating teams across a partner bank's branch network without in-person oversight — comfortable with the self-directed, asynchronous rhythm of remote-first teams.

Looking to bring this growth, underwriting, and financial-inclusion background to a remote BDM or growth role at an insurtech or fintech company.

Business Development Manager - Choice Progressive Insurance Agency

(2015-10 - 2024-05)

• Built the agency from zero to one: designed the operational structure and go-to-market strategy that took it from inception to sustained growth — the same zero-to-one distribution problem early-stage insurtechs face.
• Identified and closed a product-market fit gap by introducing agriculture and livestock insurance into Limuru, a rural market with no prior insurance penetration — growing policy uptake among local farmers and expanding financial inclusion.
• Negotiated competitive premiums directly with underwriters on clients' behalf, translating complex policy terms into products clients trusted enough to adopt.
• Trained and onboarded staff across parent company Choice Microfinance Bank's branch network on insurance products, coordinating a distributed team without daily in-person contact.
• Ran day-to-day agency operations independently, sustaining steady revenue and service delivery with minimal oversight — comfortable owning outcomes without close supervision.

Underwriting Officer - Samnel Insurance Brokers Limited

(2013-02 - 2015-09)

• Supported clients through claims handling, advising on the best course of action for each case.
• Managed all aspects of the claims department, ensuring client queries were resolved in a timely manner.
• Drafted policy renewal notification letters, reminding clients of upcoming expiry dates and premiums due.

Finance & Accounts Intern - Kenchic Limited

(2012-06 - 2012-09)

• Supported internal audit processes, helping management monitor income and expenditure.
• Processed supplier invoices within the company's ERP system, ensuring punctual payment.
• Conducted debt collection activities, contributing to effective credit control.

Finance & Accounts Intern - Impax Africa Limited

(2011-04 - 2011-06)

• Carried out invoicing, banking, and purchasing tasks while maintaining systematic financial records.

Finance Intern - East African Breweries Limited

(2010-04 - 2010-06)

• Analyzed and prepared monthly financial statements used in preparing the company's budget.
• Liaised across departments to ensure timely submission and processing of expense claims.

Bachelor of Commerce - Finance Option - Strathmore University (2008-06 - 2013-06)

Executive Certificate of Proficiency (ECOP) - Certified Insurance Agent - College of Insurance (2016-05 - 2016-05)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - Sunshine Secondary School (2004-01 - 2007-11)