Karen Umaña
Antiguo Cuscatlan,La Libertad
Summary
Motivated Global Claims Manager and legal counsel with 13 years of experience, recognised for assessing operational needs and developing solutions to save costs, improve revenues and drive customer satisfaction. Resourceful and well-organised with excellent leadership and team-building, Proven track record in fostering collaborative team environments to drive successful outcomes.
Takes on challenging new roles harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results. Achieves company goals through exceptional planning and prioritisation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2026
2026
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Global Claims Manager and Legal Counsel
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
San Salvador
06.2015 - 12.2025
- Initially hired as Global claims supervisor, in charge of all ocean claims for Wallenius Wilhelmsen, In the first year I was responsible of the transition and handover of the claims team from NY to El Salvador for all ocean duties and recoveries from P&I, Performing lines.
- After one year promoted to Global claims manager for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean and Land based (in United States of America) services, in addition to previous role, Responsibility of recoveries and processing of insurance claims in US (GL, Toll GKLL) , providing quarterly results and trends for both ocean and Land based operations; focusing in reducing damages and cost in both sections.
- 2019 Awarded all claims for Land based operations including , stevedoring and terminal claims Globally. in addition claims management from P&I and ocean for ARC sister company.
- In 2019 I was also added as part of the legal team, under my new responsibilities I am in charge of reviewing all liabilities clauses in all contracts for both ocean and solutions for WaWil group.
- 2021 Awarded the administration of our sister company EUKOR (Korea) leading the claims team for all ocean claims and recoveries for the P&I .
- Part of the Cargo Quality team, providing quarterly results and trends, assist in the improvement of the various systems for damages and claims recording for the Walwil group.
- Developed training materials for new hires, enhancing their understanding of company policies.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely and efficient claims handling.
- Coordinated with internal departments for seamless claim processing operations.
- Managed claims department, resulting in improved team performance.
- Reduced claim processing times by implementing efficient work-flow strategies that includes use of technology to simplify daily task.
- Negotiated settlements with claimants, minimising company exposure.
- Ensured proper documentation for all processed insurance claims was maintained meticulously for future reference needs and audits requirements.
- Prepared detailed reports on claim trends, aiding management decision-making processes.
- Developed strategic plans for the Claims Department ensuring operational efficiency.
- Coached junior team members on effective claims handling techniques that resulted in enhanced service delivery.
- Provided expert advice on contentious claims issues to stakeholders involved.
- Reviewed complex claims to ensure accurate payouts.
- Streamlined communication channels between clients and insurers, improving relationships and trust levels.
- Transitioned the claims function from all sister companies to establish one claims center effectively mantaining Company standards.
Receiving & Delivery agent/ Import specialist
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
San Salvador
06.2012 - 05.2014
- In charge of reviewing delivery dock receipts against the system in a timely manner, NOA (notice of arrival) creation and deliver to the customer by email as well of audit process to ensure 100% of target. After one year as R&D agent promoted to import specialist , where I reviewed the freight for several ports in the US, audit process for the same with 100% accuracy taking care of the company assets.
Recruitment Analist
Outsource
San Salvador
05.2011 - 06.2012
- Recruitment talent for Call centers nationwide. Create and develope attractive campaigns for recruitment , interviews, qualification and development of english test and presentation of results, manage to hire 125 persons per month that got the lever english the callcenter needed for the various accounts.
Cabin Crew
TACA
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Cabin crew services for al latinamerica , security on board.
Education
Lawyer -
Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador
San SalvadorLLM -
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Guatemala 01.2018 - 01.2019
highschool -
Colegio Garcia Flamenco
San Salvador 02.1989 - 11.2001
Skills
- Claim expertise in analysis, mediation, negotiations, subrogation,settlement and auditing
- Ability to Work in a Team and to interact with diverse key holders to achieve crossfunctional goals
- Leadership Skills : mentoring, develop new leaders, effectively support teams globally
- Claims system developer
- Ethics and confidentiality adherence
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Resilience and patience
- Always looking for innovation to deliver best customer experience
- Ability to Multitask
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Contract Negotiation Skills
- Legal Research
- Compliance understanding
Courses
- Global Leadership Program, WalWil
- Transformational Leadership , FEPADE
- Neuro-Leadership and Engagement, FEPADE
- Introduction to Marine Insurance , GARD ACADEMY NORWAY
- Logistics and Supply Chain managment, U. Doctor Jose Matias Delgado
- LEPINA LAW, U. Evangelica de El Salvador
Affiliations
- Participate in charitable works focused on children and the elderly.
References
References available upon request.
Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Timeline
LLM -
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
01.2018 - 01.2019
Global Claims Manager and Legal Counsel
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
06.2015 - 12.2025
Receiving & Delivery agent/ Import specialist
Wallenius Wilhelmsen
06.2012 - 05.2014
Recruitment Analist
Outsource
05.2011 - 06.2012
Cabin Crew
TACA
01.2004 - 01.2009
highschool -
Colegio Garcia Flamenco
02.1989 - 11.2001
Lawyer -
Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador