Why Better Data Helps Underwriters Say 'Yes' More Often | Mark Varley & Simon de la Hoyde

Geospatial intelligence is changing the way insurers assess risk, but better decisions start with better data. 

In this episode of Making Risk Flow, Jake Harding is joined by Mark Varley, CEO of Addresscloud, and Simon de la Hoyde, Sales Director, to discuss how building-level data, real-time accumulation visibility, and high-quality address intelligence help underwriters quote faster, select risks with greater confidence, and write more profitable business. They also explore why insurers should focus on data quality before AI, how specialized data platforms outperform in-house solutions, and how responsible AI can enhance underwriting without compromising accuracy, transparency, or governance. 

Mark Varley is CEO of Addresscloud, a geospatial intelligence platform serving the insurance industry. With 25 years of experience in insurance and 15+ years specializing in geographic risk assessment, Mark brings deep practitioner insights from his tenure at RSA and Accenture.

Simon de la Hoyde is Sales Director at Addresscloud, bringing 17 years of insurance market expertise and a foundational background in geography and GIS applications. With experience across mobile telecommunications, retail site selection, and property insurance underwriting and pricing, de la Hoyde combines technical geospatial knowledge with deep commercial insurance acumen.

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Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.

Check out the three most downloaded episodes:

• The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo
• 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada
• Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's