Meet a Pioneer: Chris Rowe, CTO at CLARK

Starting from the UK, via teaching in South America, Chris' startup journey found its home in Frankfurt in 2005. Today, his familiar face now has a new role at CLARK: As Group CTO, some of his main tasks include building our International Brokerage Apps and fueling CLARK's technological growth and advantage in Europe.

As a leader, Chris thrives on collaboration between teams, as seen in projects like the CLARK Fitness Challenge and Hackathon. His inspiration stems from early experiences in his childhood showcasing insurance's power to protect the world of our customers. Beyond tech, Chris shares with us a newfound passion that helps him fuel creativity and clarity.

Meet Chris and find out why we see him as a pioneer in our interview.

Chris, can you share your journey into the insurtech world? What sparked your interest in this industry, and how has your path led you to CLARK?

Geographically my journey into the insurance world was not direct. I am originally from the UK and before moving to Germany I spent a year travelling and teaching English in South and Central America. I’d never been to Germany and actively avoided German lessons at school! I booked my flights to Germany from an internet cafe on the beach in Mexico. I then found my first flat in central Frankfurt over a weekend and my girlfriend (and now my wife of 15 years) quit her job in California and joined me for what has turned out to be an amazing adventure here. Our boys were born in Frankfurt and are now in the local high school. They correct our German grammar all the time, by the way!

I’ve always been inspired by startups. The mindset and focus to grow and help more people in new innovative ways motivates me.

My first job after university was in a startup, and it was my first boss at that company who later offered me that first job in Frankfurt.

I’ve previously worked for a large international consultancy company. This included many projects in Germany’s top insurance firms. It was a breath of fresh air to see how open to new ideas CLARK is and how the Sales, Service, and Tech teams work together. Given the internal rivalries and slow pace of some giant insurance companies, being able to work for CLARK is the perfect opportunity to make a real and lasting impact.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of innovation. As our new CTO, what are the projects you are looking forward to collaborating with colleagues from various departments and countries?

Personally, I see our go-to-market journey that is core to our 2027 Strategy as the greatest opportunity we have to collaborate across all departments. Especially linking up the former Finanzen Group teams with the Brokerage tech departments. This will enable us to provide a smooth journey for our users from Lead Generation, and Direct Sales into the Brokerage App.?

In terms of wider collaboration, another important project to me is the Fitness Challenge. Along with our amazing Fitness Challenge Orga team I’ve been organising the group-wide Fitness Challenge for the last three years. Lockdowns and our expanding offices in different locations had made it difficult for colleagues to meet and connect.

I firmly believe expanding these cross-country and department connections brings more enjoyment and fulfillment to our work. So I’m always excited by projects that bring people together.

Pioneers often inspire others. Your role as Chief Technology Officer involves leading the largest department at CLARK: What leadership principles guide your approach?

Building trusting teams through growth and new opportunities is a key leadership principle. Working at a scaleup means we are in growth mode. There are always new opportunities. Technology is constantly evolving so learning is a key core strength. But it’s not just tech skills, it is the leadership skills that allow people to grow and take on new challenges.?

I organise our department’s Brown Bag and Virtual Conference sessions to help people share their knowledge and am promoting coaching for people who want to take on more responsibility. I also organized the last department Hackathon with over 100 people. A great chance to grow, collaborate, and innovate. I really believe these activities provide active ways for trust to grow within the team.

And where do you get your inspiration from??

I lived in Malawi, southeastern Africa for three years as a young child. My dad was a doctor and worked at the regional hospital. Medical services were extremely limited. The lack of insurance meant that individuals were not protected. Any issue had a massive direct individual consequence. I can remember asking my parents why so many people were around the edge of the hospital. It was because family members had to camp outside to cook meals and provide some of the basic care for patients that the hospital didn’t offer.

Even though I was young this has had a profound impact on my life. Through no fault of their own people can end up in difficult situations. Insurance is a way to help protect people’s worlds.?

At its heart, insurance is about helping people, about creating a community of support. It’s a financial structure that ensures that people and their families are protected when accidents, illness, or even death occur. I see this as a just cause. We are really protecting our customers' world.

Let's switch gears! What's a fun fact about you that your colleagues might not know?

Gears is the perfect word. My new favorite hobby is cycling. I started during lockdown, this was my chance to get some fresh air and freedom.

It's also amazing how this can clear my mind and how after finishing a long exhausting uphill session, I can suddenly have a brainwave and think of answers that have escaped me during the work week.

My favorite route is the 100km stretch from Frankfurt over the Odenwald hills to Heidelberg where a friend of mine lives. It is conveniently very close to a brewery and the station. Beer and a schnitzel is a very motivating goal and the return leg can be done by train.

Unfortunately, I did have my bike stolen. Luckily I had it insured. I passed the info to CLARK and they submitted a claim for me and I had my money within a week.

If you would like to start working together with Chris and his team on reinventing insurance and becoming a pioneer yourself, you find all open positions here.