NAME: Daniel Dias
NEW JOB TITLE: San Clemente, California-based risk adviser, Cavignac
PREVIOUS POSITION: Irvine, California-based managing director, Travelers Cos. Inc.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The insurance industry is continuing to evolve, and clients are becoming more selective when selecting company partners. Brokers offering a complete service offering risk control, claim management and human resources expertise will be able to select the best long-term partners.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My goal is to bring my large-account expertise to help and guide the risk management of large national and construction accounts to better achieve their goals of lowering their total cost of risk.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Personnel acquisition, leadership development and training are the biggest challenges facing every company big or small. The companies that are able to tackle and excel through this challenge will have above-average productivity and profitability.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first experience in insurance was with CNA Corp.s major market division, where I worked with many Fortune 100 customers insurance programs. Early in my career, I learned the value of listening to the clients needs so that I could offer solutions pertinent to their challenges.
ADVICE: Take time to hone your craft. Becoming a trusted adviser to your clients because you are solution-oriented is very rewarding.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: If I could not play volleyball professionally that ship has sailed I think I would love to own a small shop near the beach, where clientele could come and enjoy a great cup of coffee, buy plants and flowers and other specialty items to brighten their household.
COLLEGE MAJOR: At UC San Diego, I majored in economics and Asian history.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: I look forward to working with the Cavignac people the most, as I have found them to be an amazingly supportive work team. I have admired the Cavignac culture for many years and how active they are in the community. I could not wait to be part of this team.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Sushi or Mexican food are my favorites.
BOOK: “The California Nutrition Book,” which I read in college, dispelled so many of the myths about nutrition. It set me on a life of exercise and moderate eating.
HOBBIES: I love to play grass volleyball, cook and garden. Also, as many people will suggest, I love to eat out at new restaurants and enjoy a good bottle of wine.
TV SHOW: Anything with “Star Trek” in the name will get most of my attention.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: I like to play volleyball, and if it can be followed by eating out at a nice restaurant, all the better.
