In this The Worlds Times interview we will discuss about Dev Maitra, an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the insurance and real estate sectors, serving as the Managing Director of Savington International Insurance Brokers LLC. With a robust background in the insurance industry, they excel in negotiation, business planning, operations management, and contract management. Their strong business acumen is further supported by a Master’s degree in Business Management, Finance, Legal, Marketing, and Economics from the University of Lancaster, making them a highly skilled professional in driving growth and success in dynamic business environments.
Early Life Moments That Shaped My Career
We started the interview by asking, “Can you tell us about a moment from your early life that had a big impact on your career?”
Dev Maitra replied, “One of the most defining moments of my early career happened after I moved from India to Dubai. I initially took a job with a shipping company to support my family back home. It was a challenging transition—adapting to a new culture, navigating a different industry, and being far from my loved ones. Despite the difficulties, I worked hard and learned a lot about the business world.
However, the real turning point came when I discovered my interest in real estate prior to Insurance. I had always been fascinated by property and the potential it held, but it wasn’t until I started networking in Dubai that I realized how much I could excel in this field. I took a leap of faith, transitioned from shipping to real estate, and began working in the industry.”
Choosing the Right Path
The Worlds Times: What made you choose your current job or industry, and how did you know it was the right choice?
Dev Maitra replied, “Choosing a career in insurance brokerage was a pivotal decision for me, and it was shaped by a combination of personal interests and practical considerations. After working in the shipping industry and discovering my passion for real estate, I realized I wanted to find a field where I could leverage my skills in client relations, financial analysis, and strategic planning. Insurance isn’t just about policies and premiums; it’s about providing security and peace of mind. I was excited by the challenge of understanding complex needs and crafting tailored solutions that protect individuals and businesses
Additionally, the dynamic nature of the insurance industry—constantly evolving regulations, emerging risks, and innovative solutions—kept me intellectually engaged and motivated. It was clear that this career aligned with both my professional ambitions and personal values, making it a fulfilling and rewarding choice.”
Achievement and Its Significance
The Worlds Times: What is your biggest achievement so far, and why is it important to you?
Dev Maitra replied, “One of my biggest achievements so far has been my journey from being entrusted with the role of Country Manager–Finance for British Airways in Bahrain at the age of 28, to earning the International ‘Who’s Who Awards’ in 2008, and leading Savington to win the MEA Awards for Best Insurance Brokers in 2019 and 2020. These awards highlighted our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions. It was important not only because it reflected our success but also because it demonstrated our ability to set and achieve high standards in a competitive industry.”
Early Career Challenges
Moving Forward towards his professional, The Worlds Times asked, “How did you start your professional journey, and what challenges did you face at the beginning?”
Dev Maitra replied, “My professional journey began with a significant role in finance when I was appointed as the Country Manager–Finance for British Airways in Bahrain at the age of 28. This early responsibility was both a tremendous opportunity and a considerable challenge. Moving out of New Delhi, and stepping into a new country, in a high-stakes position demanded a lot from me. I had to quickly adapt to the complexities of the aviation industry, manage financial operations, and lead a team under tight deadlines. he initial challenges were multifaceted. Adapting to a new culture and business environment in Bahrain was a steep learning curve. I had to establish myself in a competitive market while managing the financial intricacies of a major international corporation. These early challenges were critical in shaping my career. They tested my resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking, laying the foundation for future successes.”
Current Projects and Career Goals
The Worlds Times: What are you working on right now, and how does it fit into your career goals?
Dev Maitra replied, “At the moment, I am working on multiple things with the objective to grow in all areas of the business. As we transition into a digital space, my vision for incorporating digitalization at every stage of our user journey is at forefront. Being the digital insurance partner of Etisalat fulfils our vision in the B2B segment, however the goal is to extend this journey for the consumers and create a seamless online experience tailored to the needs of each client, keeping in mind the dynamic nature of the insurance industry. Therefore, investing in a high-quality digital experience is crucial for meeting modern customer expectations, enhancing engagement, and staying competitive in today’s market.”
Influential Figures in Career
The Worlds Times: Who has been the most inspiring person in your career, and how have they influenced you?
Dev Maitra replied, “The most inspiring person in my career has undoubtedly been Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. His visionary leadership and strategic foresight have profoundly influenced my approach to business and professional growth.
Sheikh Mohammed’s strategic vision has been instrumental in transforming Dubai from a small trading port into a global metropolis. His commitment to innovation and development is evident in the city’s skyline, infrastructure, and economic landscape. His vision for Dubai includes not just rapid growth but also sustainable development and technological advancement. This focus on innovation resonates with my own career values and has inspired me to adopt a forward-thinking mindset in my professional endeavors. Moreover, his efforts to make Dubai a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds have influenced my approach to building a team and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.”
Staying Motivated Through Challenges
How do you stay motivated and positive when facing challenges or setbacks?
When facing challenges or setbacks, I stay motivated and positive by focusing on my long-term goals and breaking down obstacles into smaller, manageable tasks. I view setbacks as learning opportunities and remain flexible, adapting my approach as needed. Building a strong support network of colleagues, mentors, and friends provides encouragement and different perspectives. I also prioritize self-care to maintain resilience and balance. Celebrating small wins keeps me encouraged and motivated, while seeking inspiration from successful stories and industry trends fuels my drive.
Overcoming Career Setbacks
The Worlds Times: Can you talk about a major problem or failure in your career and what you learned from it?
Dev Maitra replied, “While working in real estate, I took on a high-stakes project as the financial lead for a major expansion, in addition the other projects I was working on already. Confident in my abilities, I underestimated the complexity of the project and rushed through some key analyses.
I learned the importance of delegating tasks along with meticulous planning, to see through the successful completion of one task at a time.”
The Worlds Times: How has your definition of success evolved over the course of your career, and what does success mean to you now?
Dev Maitra replied, “Early in my career, I defined success primarily by tangible achievements such as promotions, financial milestones, and expanding business operations. I focused on climbing the corporate ladder and hitting specific targets. Now, success means more than just personal accolades or financial gain. It encompasses creating a positive impact, fostering meaningful relationships, and contributing to the growth and well-being of my team and community. It’s about achieving a balance between professional accomplishments and personal fulfillment, ensuring that my work aligns with my values and long-term goals.”
Advice to Youth
The Worlds Times: What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career, knowing what you know now?
Dev Maitra replied, “If I could give advice to my younger self at the start of my career, I would say: “Embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity and don’t fear making mistakes. Focus on building strong relationships and seek diverse perspectives” Invest time in understanding the bigger picture and think long-term rather than just aiming for immediate results.”
The Worlds Times: What do you hope your legacy will be in your industry, and how would you like to be remembered by future generations?
Dev Maitra replied, “In the insurance industry in the UAE, I hope my legacy will be defined by innovation, ethical practices, and a commitment to exceptional client service. I aspire to be remembered as a leader who advanced industry standards through pioneering insurance solutions and introduced practices that set new benchmarks for quality and reliability. I want to leave a legacy of having made a significant impact on the industry’s evolution in the UAE, contributing to its growth and shaping its future while supporting and mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals.”
Visit Savington to learn more.
Connect Dev Maitra on LinkedIn
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