Career Biography

I am Ruth Knops, Legal Director at MSIG Europe SE, a leading European insurer headquartered in Belgium. Since the merger of MS Amlin Insurance SE and MSIG Insurance Europe AG on 1 July 2025, I have been leading the new legal function across multiple jurisdictions. My team supports all property and casualty and marine lines of business across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Czechia and the UK, as well as a Marine MGA subsidiary with operations in Europe and Singapore.

Over the past 15 years, I have built my career entirely within the insurance sector, developing a deep understanding of its contractual, operational and governance challenges. My experience spans private practice and senior in-house roles, including positions at Zurich Insurance, AXA Partners and MS Amlin. This journey has shaped me into a pragmatic, business-minded lawyer who combines technical accuracy with strategic insight.

As Legal Director, I lead an international team responsible for the full spectrum of commercial, transactional, and contentious legal matters across MSIG Europe SE. My role focuses on steering complex transactions, strengthening contractual governance, and ensuring our legal frameworks enable the business to grow sustainably. I am particularly passionate about making the legal function accessible and solution-driven, transforming it from a reactive service to a strategic business partner.

I have negotiated numerous high-value and strategic contracts, both with external vendors and within the group. These include core technology and outsourcing agreements covering underwriting, claims, finance and data platforms. Each demands careful balance between operational flexibility, liability protection, and regulatory expectations. Achieving strong commercial and legal outcomes in these negotiations has been a defining part of my contribution.

I believe the best in-house lawyers combine legal rigour with empathy and context awareness. My leadership philosophy centres on collaboration, clear communication, and trust, empowering my team to deliver practical advice that truly supports the business.

I am honoured by the inclusion in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Belgium 2025, which I see not only as a personal recognition, but also as a testament to the role of in-house legal teams as strategic enablers. In a fast-changing insurance landscape shaped by technology, climate and new risks, my goal remains constant: to keep law close to business and make legal strategy a driver of sustainable success.