Head of Embedded Distribution - Insurance Services

Reports to: Chief Distribution Officer | Location: Dubai, with regular travel across the GCC About the Role WIS is building the GCC's leading embedded insurance platform: simple, pre-underwritten products placed inside the digital journeys of high-volume consumer brands through one API. We are seeking a Head of Embedded Distribution to win the anchor partners that make this happen. This is a senior role for a commercially driven leader who can open doors at C-suite level, understand how businesses serve their customers, and show them how insurance can become a natural part of what they sell. You will own the journey from first conversation to live launch, working closely with our Product, Technology and Operations teams and with our insurer partner/s. Responsibilities Own the GCC embedded partner acquisition plan, starting with the Year 1 sectors (telcos, gig and delivery apps, exchange houses and retail) alongside our existing airline and OTA programmes, and building towards banks, fintechs and e-commerce. The role holder will own the plan driven by income opportunities that drive immediate value in the financial year. Build and convert a qualified pipeline from our target universe of 150+ high-volume digital brands, prioritizing regional players present in several markets, so that one signature launches cover in each market they serve. Engage partners at senior and C-suite level, positioning WIS as their embedded insurance partner of choice. Understand each partner's business model, customers and digital journey, from their app and website experience (UI/UX) through to checkout, and identify the moment where insurance adds the most value and converts best. Match each partner to products from our pre-underwritten product shelf and the right integration model, with API integration as the default and white-label, plug-in or referral where they fit better. Build partner business cases from volumes and attach rates, and lead negotiations on commercial terms, including commission and revenue share. Bring partner and market feedback to the Product team to shape the next products on the shelf, avoiding one-off bespoke builds. Work with Product, Technology, Operations and underwriters to take each partner from signature to live. Own partner performance for the first year after launch, tracking attach rates, conversion and premium, before handing over to Account Management for long-term growth. Track competitor activity across GCC embedded insurance and represent WIS at industry events. Report monthly (and as agreed) to the Chief Distribution Officer on pipeline, signed partners, launches and production against plan. Requirements 10+ years' experience in business development, partnerships or distribution, ideally in embedded insurance, affinity or digital partnerships at a telco, fintech, retailer or platform, with a working knowledge of GCC insurance distribution. A proven track record of originating, closing and launching multi-market B2B partnerships across the GCC, with named deals and results you can evidence. An established senior-level network across telecom, retail, gig and delivery AppExchange houses and travel in the GCC, with banking, fintech and Saudi relationships an advantage. Has sold an API or platform product and taken partners from signature to live integration; comfortable discussing checkout journeys, conversion and attach rates with product and engineering teams. Commercially sharp, with the ability to build partner business cases and negotiate them to signature with senior decision-makers. A hands-on builder who moves fast, works well across WIS and QIC teams and markets, and does not need a large support structure. Show more Show less