NAME: Kate Bernay
NEW JOB TITLE: New York-based head of general and developing industries, U.S. middle market, Zurich North America
PREVIOUS POSITION: New York-based vice president underwriting manager, commercial insurance, Chubb Ltd.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Our industry continues to evolve and respond to the challenges of todays world. As a result, there is no shortage of opportunities to build a career. By working hard and staying creative, individuals and companies have the chance to make an impact today and on our future.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: I am excited to be a part of the middle market team, building out industry specialization. My goal is to support underwriting excellence and profitable growth by providing our distribution partners and customers with industry-leading solutions.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Finding and developing talent. While the insurance industry evolves, people continue to be most important to a companys success.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: One summer during college, I had an internship in London at a global insurance brokerage. After graduating, I started my career as a commercial insurance trainee at Chubb and have taken on many different roles and leadership positions since joining the industry.
ADVICE: Relationships matter. Be responsive, have fun and keep learning. I have made some great friends in the industry and continue to be energized, as every day presents new opportunities and challenges.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Country music star
COLLEGE MAJOR: History
LOOKING FORWARD TO: I am looking forward to being a part of a team focused on excellence and optimism. I am confident that collaboration across our middle market team is going to lead to really great results, and I am happy to be a part of that journey.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Surf and turf preferably grilled at home
BOOK: The Great Gatsby
HOBBIES: Traveling, yoga and Villanova basketball
TV SHOW: Downton Abbey and Mad Men
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spend time with friends, family and my new puppy.
