NAME: Ashley Sales
NEW JOB TITLE: Alpharetta, Georgia-based Southeast regional underwriting manager, global cyber and technology, Axis Insurance Co.
PREVIOUS POSITION:
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Optimistic. Its fascinating to see how much the industry has evolved even in the last five years. Advanced modeling and new technology available to underwriters has been a catalyst for change by allowing insurers the opportunity to understand a risk at a much deeper level, which is incredibly valuable given we dont have the deep historical insights many business lines hold. Those insights also provide the insureds with methods to safeguard themselves against the ever-changing threat landscape. This is an exciting time for the cyber insurance market as a whole and I look forward to being a part of the Axis commitment to protecting against cyber risk.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: We will continue to establish ourselves as a market leader in the understanding of cyber risk. We are focused on adding value to our distribution partners and creating mutually beneficial solutions for increasingly complex risks. Creating opportunities for collaboration and growth will be key to providing insureds the right coverage at the appropriate terms. We have a history of successful underwriting within the team, and we are confident we can adapt to market evolutions and maintain our long-term sustainability.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: The cyber market faces a challenging macro environment, with prolonged ransomware trends and an increasing cost of capital creating hard market conditions going into 2021. Cyber underwriters are focusing on risk selection more than ever before with a requirement to maximize return on capital. Brokers are tasked with educating their clients about the market changes and growing threat landscape, which will only become more important in the future.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I started my career as a personal lines underwriter focusing primarily on homeowners and auto insurance.
ADVICE: Surround yourself with the best and learn as much as you can. Emulate those you admire and adopt the qualities they possess.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Event planner
COLLEGE MAJOR: Business management
LOOKING FORWARD TO: We have an incredibly talented group of people working at Axis, and I am very thankful I get the opportunity to learn from them every day. I look forward to continuing to develop meaningful relationships within the brokerage community and strengthening those I already have.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Im a big fan of sushi. My sister introduced me at a young age and the rest is history.
BOOK:
HOBBIES: Sports, watching documentaries, discovering new music, trying out new restaurants.
TV SHOW: Anything on Food Network.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: You can find me at the park with my dog or watching football with my friends.
