NAME: Kelly K. Killimett
NEW JOB TITLE: Atlanta-based national manager, environmental wholesale, Ironshore Insurance Services LLC, a Liberty Mutual company
PREVIOUS POSITION: Atlanta-based vice president, head of environmental, Argo Group International Holdings Ltd.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: There is no denying that 2020 has been a rough year for most. While the pandemic and downturn of the economy have forced businesses to close and caused workforce reductions in many industries, there are sectors of the insurance industry that are seeing new opportunities and growth in a hardening market. The driving factors around this growth are capacity reduction, rate increases and traditional markets pushing business back into the E&S market, to name a few. I think this trend will continue throughout 2020 and into 2021.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My first and foremost goal is to change the perception of Ironshore Environmental to the wholesale community. This will be done by having a dedicated wholesale underwriting team that has experience working with wholesalers. I want to provide the best experience possible when you send Ironshore Environmental a submission. I want to help you solve problems, so I am your first call next time you have an environmental risk on your desk.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Specific to environmental, emerging contaminants is a challenge facing the industry. There are a lot of unknowns in the world and we are always waiting to see what the next asbestos will be. Another example is perfluorooctanoic acid. These PFOA chemicals were used in many household products for a long time. From an underwriting perspective, we are now trying to underwrite around the potential pollution exposure that our clients may have from these chemicals. More widespread across the industry, social inflation is a challenge.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I took my first professional, solo marketing trip to the suburbs of Philadelphia. I had my routes planned and maps printed. During a break between client visits, I called back to the office to check in. To my surprise, my manager changed my territory to the Midwest while I was gone. At the time, it seemed like the end of the world. I had just spent my time marketing for one of my co-workers. Looking back, it gave me an opportunity to meet more people in the industry quicker. I have great relationships with Midwest brokers and wouldnt have changed anything.
ADVICE: My best advice for someone new to the industry would be to be curious and eager to learn. Ask questions if you dont understand something. Raise your hand to work on a project. Lastly, change is inevitable, so embrace it. Opportunity always comes from change.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Weather patterns and storms have always fascinated me. If I werent in insurance, I would want to do something in the weather industry.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Risk management and insurance, University of Georgia
LOOKING FORWARD TO: In my new position, Im really looking forward to the resources a company like Ironshore/Liberty has to offer. This includes not only data and technology but also people.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Chicken parmigiana, followed closely by Mexican
BOOK: My favorite book is The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. No matter how old you are, it teaches a good lesson.
HOBBIES: I love playing tennis with my friends. I am not very good but enjoy hitting the ball around and socializing at the same time. I also enjoy jogging and going to Orange Theory Fitness in my spare time.
TV SHOW: I love crime shows, so I would say Law and Order. Any version will do!
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: On Saturday afternoon, you will most likely find me at the ballpark watching my kids play sports. In the offseason, I enjoy hiking or just relaxing at home.
