In life, there are two elements worth observing closely: our actions and the moments between them. Dr. Japhet Ogueri Duru is one of the few Nigerian insurance professionals who has mastered both. His deliberate, thoughtful approach to leadership has consistently delivered impactful results throughout his career.
Fondly called “Jeff” by friends and colleagues, Dr. Duru believes in finding the positive in every situation—a mindset that has defined his more than 30 years in the insurance industry. Now serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Insurance Plc, Jeff leads with a powerful combination of deep technical knowledge, refined interpersonal skills, and a grounded sense of humility.
Despite his impressive track record, Jeff remains approachable and grounded. His unwavering commitment to ethical practices, service excellence, and regulatory compliance has earned him respect across the industry. For stakeholders who understand that insurance is, at its core, a service-oriented business, Jeff represents reliability, dedication, and trust.
Appointed as MD/CEO of Universal Insurance Plc in January 2025, Jeff may be relatively new in this specific role, but his industry expertise runs deep. His arrival at Universal Insurance, a legacy institution known for its loyal customer base, marked a new chapter in the company’s growth and innovation journey.
Jeff stepped into this leadership role after a successful tenure at Heirs Insurance Group, where he held several top-level positions. Known for embracing challenges, he took on the new opportunity at Universal not for comfort, but for the chance to make a meaningful difference.
“In the first quarter of this year, we recorded N8.07 billion in Gross Written Premium—130% of our quarterly target,” he revealed. “We’re progressive, innovative, and committed to bringing insurance closer to our customers through seamless operations and affordability. Our products are designed with our clients in mind. Try us, and you’ll experience quality service and peace of mind.”
Jeff’s leadership philosophy is built on results and consistent delivery. His vision and strategy have not only enhanced Universal Insurance’s public image but have also expanded its customer base and market influence.
Academically, Dr. Duru holds two doctorate degrees—one from Lead City University in Ibadan and the other from Charisma University in Turkey. His career includes senior roles such as Acting MD/CEO, Executive Director (Technical), Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Underwriting. In each position, he has demonstrated strength in strategic planning, operational execution, risk management, client experience, and innovation.
Former colleagues and collaborators praise his business acumen and leadership prowess. Jeff excels in stakeholder engagement, change management, regulatory compliance, and sales innovation. His mastery of technical insurance processes is complemented by a command of modern business software and customer relationship management tools.
Before officially taking over as MD/CEO, Jeff spent five months—between August and December 2024—shadowing his predecessor at Universal Insurance. During that time, he provided hands-on leadership across technical and operational departments. He oversaw the implementation of strategies to boost profitability and built key relationships with customers, regulators, and underwriters. Notably, he spearheaded initiatives that improved operational efficiency and reduced costs.
One such innovation is the Shop Insure Cover, tailored for small and medium business owners. It includes fire and burglary insurance, personal injury coverage, and support for temporary relocation. Another is OkadaPass, a digital insurance product for delivery service providers, which covers the rider, the motorbike, and valuable packages.
Universal Insurance’s digital transformation is also underway under Jeff’s leadership. The company now offers a mobile app and customer portal for accessing products, generating quotes, renewing policies, and initiating claims. Additionally, a 24/7 AI-driven chatbot and virtual assistant provide support via chat and voice, enhancing customer convenience.
“We’ve introduced digital pre- and post-loss vehicle surveys,” Jeff shared. “Clients can now conduct inspections using their smartphones. This reduces manual labor, minimizes fraud, speeds up claims, and cuts operational costs all while delivering a superior customer experience.”
Jeff’s vast experience, gained at institutions such as International Energy Insurance, Old Mutual Nigeria (where he served as Executive Director Technical and Acting MD/CEO), and Heirs Insurance Group, continues to fuel his impact at Universal Insurance Plc.
With his blend of technical expertise, innovation, and customer-centric vision, Dr. Japhet Duru is charting a transformative path for Universal Insurance one measured step at a time.
