NAME: Neil Metzheiser
NEW JOB TITLE: Atlanta-based client advocate and president, Lockton Cos. LLC
PREVIOUS POSITION: Atlanta-based client advocate and president, Lockton Cos. LLC
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The pandemic and the ongoing rate environment have significantly increased risk awareness for our clients. This combination presents a more challenging outlook for us to perform, which we view as an excellent opportunity and responsibility to better serve our clients.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: To create opportunities to help make our clients businesses better, continue to help make Lockton a great place for our associates to thrive and grow, and sustain our client-focused performance culture.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: There is no shortage of challenges right now. I think all stakeholders on the value chain of insurance are getting weary of the current market, rate trends and escalating loss costs. We need to bring more solutions and long-term stability to our clients. A key priority for Lockton is ensuring we continue to invest in talent and development opportunities for our associates so they can serve the evolving risk needs of our clients. Fortunately, our independence allows us the freedom and flexibility to execute on these strategic priorities. Cyber is currently the most challenged line and we need to prepare for continued cyberattacks that may impact our businesses and lives.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: Financial institutions underwriter of executive lines at American International Group Inc. in New York, which was an excellent place to learn the business and gain experience early in my career.
ADVICE: Be in constant learner mode and always hustle. There are no shortcuts, so invest in the long run and align yourself with a company that fits your cultural values and offers you the best opportunity to be better.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I think it would be fun and challenging to be a high school teacher. It would be impactful to help connect the dots for why a good education leads to opportunities in the real world after school.
COLLEGE MAJOR: B.A. in management with a concentration in finance from Gettysburg College and an MBA from Emory University.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Continuing to be part of and help contribute to the best culture in the business.
FAVOURITE MEAL: One cooked at home to enjoy with the entire family.
BOOK: Hard to pick just one, but a couple of fiction favorites that come to mind are The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett, and The Gold Coast, by Nelson DeMille.
HOBBIES: Anything outside: golf, skiing and boating are some favorites.
TV SHOW: Peaky Blinders is up there, for sure.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spend time at the lake with my family during the summer.
