NAME: Kim Jordan
NEW JOB TITLE: Addison, Texas-based regional vice president South, U.S. middle market, Zurich North America
PREVIOUS POSITION: Addison, Texas-based regional vice president South, U.S. middle market, Zurich North America
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Our industry has always and will always be an environment of change. I believe we will continue to see new product development and pricing responses addressing emerging issues such as increases in the severity of natural catastrophe events, civil unrest and growing exposure to cyber loss. I also believe we will evolve how we view the workplace (traditional vs. remote). The pace of change in the industry is crucial to understand, and we need to stay ahead of that change to remain relevant in the market.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My goals are to drive the success of our middle-market book of business in the region through cultivating and deepening distributor and customer relationships, developing and upskilling underwriting talent, while building strong brand recognition within our market.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Talent. Many experienced industry professionals are retiring. Identifying, onboarding and developing diverse talent is critical for our future success.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My uncle was an independent agent in my small town, and I would empty the trash cans for spending money. That was my introduction to insurance. During college, I worked at a local independent insurance agency doing all types of miscellaneous work from filing to answering the phone, while learning to read the Commercial Lines Manual and complete insurance applications. The experience I gained from the leadership and team at Louisiana Insurance Services set me on the path to understand the fantastic opportunities available in the insurance field.
ADVICE: Dont be afraid to try new things or raise your hand. Take constructive feedback as an opportunity to further your development. Surround yourself with good people, and be a person others want to have on their team.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I would love to own a combination bookstore-champagne/wine bar like the one I visited in Asheville, North Carolina. Vintage books, good wine and dog-friendly.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Finance, Louisiana Tech University
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Im really looking forward to championing the strategy that we have had in place for several years, including a consistent underwriting appetite, growing in new geographic territories and deepening of existing broker relationships.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Mexican! I love the spicy nature of the food and how so many things can be blended to develop the difference nuances and layers of flavor. There are some great restaurants in Texas and some of the smaller, hole-in-the wall places are the best.
BOOK: I love to read, and there are so many that could be deemed favorites. I enjoy the classics, but I also enjoy a good mystery/crime novel like those written by James Patterson, Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell.
HOBBIES: Im an avid reader and am on track to read over 250 books in 2021. I enjoy spending time in my yard pulling weeds and working in my flower beds. And Ive become a Peloton fan over the last year, so you can often find me on the leaderboard.
TV SHOW: We watch mostly sports around at our house (basketball, football, baseball, hockey and golf), but I also like a good crime show like NCIS. I also enjoy finding new series options on Netflix and Amazon.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: My favorite is spending time with my husband and family, including our Weimaraner, Drake. It really doesnt matter what we are doing I just enjoy being together.
