By Business & Finance 
Dermot Wells is head of health & general insurance at Cornmarket, an Irish health insurance broker. Wells is a regular advisor on health insurance market developments. In 2025, Dermot Wells was recognised by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) as Insurance Industry Business Person of the Year.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I understood from an early age the importance of financial security and good decision-making. In school, I was naturally drawn to business and accountancy, and as I moved into my first roles, it became clear that financial services was an industry where hard work, competence and continuous development could open doors.
The combination of a personal appreciation for the value of money, a passion for business, and a drive to progress is what pulled me into the sector and has kept me motivated throughout my career.
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
I lead the delivery of Cornmarket’s health insurance comparison service for both individual and corporate clients. My priorities are to drive sustainable commercial growth while ensuring we consistently provide industry-leading customer experiences.
That means strengthening our insurer and stakeholder partnerships, continuously improving operational efficiency, and embracing digital innovation so we can simplify the health insurance journey and add real value for clients. Equally important is building a collaborative, ambitious and empowered team. I care deeply about talent progression and helping people grow into leaders, just as others once did for me.
What would you regard as your greatest (career) achievement to date?
I have had the privilege of leading major commercial growth initiatives, managing complex pan-European projects, and helping businesses expand into new markets both in Ireland and internationally.
My most rewarding achievement, however, has been watching talented colleagues grow in confidence, take risks and surpass their own expectations. If I played even a small part in their development, by listening, challenging, supporting or believing in them, then that, to me, is the most enduring measure of accomplishment.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is being a little bit better today than you were yesterday
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, but always be the most curious.
How do you motivate yourself and your team?
I believe motivation comes from clarity, purpose and empowerment. I set ambitious goals, communicate openly, and give people the trust and autonomy to deliver at a high level.
At Cornmarket, we celebrate progress, learn quickly and support each other. I find this drives performance and collaboration more effectively than pressure ever could.
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
For Cornmarket to become the most trusted partner to both consumers and companies navigating health insurance in Ireland, as well as the leading advisory firm in the market.
That means expanding our fee-based advisory model, strengthening corporate health solutions, and building a wider ecosystem of wellness, prevention and digital support that helps people stay healthier for longer. We also want to continue to grow, innovate and attract great talent.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
Data-driven insights, personalised advice, tailored communication, online assistance and wellness-focused propositions are becoming central to the health insurance customer experience.
Corporate demand is also growing, with employers using health cover and prevention programmes to attract and retain good people. Meanwhile, rising costs are pushing insurers to innovate around value and product simplification.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
The competitive landscape for health insurance is being reshaped by rising claims costs, higher premiums, regulatory change, evolving customer expectations and rapid digital disruption.
One of the biggest challenges ahead, in my view, is navigating the impact of Sláintecare and the evolving role of private health insurance within a changing healthcare system. Balancing affordability, access, sustainability and innovation, all while maintaining consumer confidence, will define the industry’s next decade.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
I think a more modern Risk Equalisation Scheme could be a powerful catalyst for the health insurance sector. It would encourage new entrants, support existing insurers and increase competition, driving better outcomes for consumers.
A close collaboration of stakeholders, focused on removing the fear of switching health insurance provider, improving transparency, and embracing proactive health-management innovations, would deliver greater choice, better value and improved long-term health outcomes for members.
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