NAME: Sabrina Hart
NEW JOB TITLE: Atlanta-based president, excess and surplus lines, Munich Re Specialty Insurance Co.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Chicago-based executive vice president, Midwest region, Zurich North America
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The insurance industry is poised for growth especially the E&S market as wholesalers and surplus lines insurers, in addition to managing challenging risks, become sources of expertise. This remains true despite our uncertain times, such as returning to the office post-pandemic, the talent landscape, potential new COVID-19 variants, economic turmoil and inflation and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: We all want to have impact and make a difference. I am fortunate to have joined a tremendous team and one of the strongest brands in the industry. So, with that backdrop, we aspire to be a top E&S brand. We will look to execute on our business plan and further the momentum our E&S business has achieved over the past several years. We will also continue our commitment of underwriting difficult-to-place, moderate-to-higher risks for specified segments and provide the superior bespoke solutions our brokers and their clients have come to expect from us. We will also look for growth opportunities within our core capabilities, while seeking to introduce new product offerings and continuing to add resources and expertise to our already talented team and build out additional operational efficiencies. Importantly, I share a passion for diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, so I am excited to get deeply involved in Munich Res ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: There are several, notably everchanging market conditions, inflation, cyber, digitization, climate change, the aftermath of COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and the demand for talent, to name a few. Also, while I am delighted to see the progress, the industry still has a way to go in building a diverse workforce and talent pool.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: My first job was risk management assistant with a direct writer of specialty insurance. Then with a six-month tenure, I was asked to consider either an underwriting trainee role or an actuarial analyst role. I chose underwriting, as I felt this presented the opportunity to blend both technical skills and interpersonal skills and allowed me to interact with customers and brokers. Back then, actuaries were not that close to the business.
ADVICE: It makes me think of Patrick Lencionis book, The Ideal Team Player. Be humble, be hungry, and be smart. I would add be a sponge and be curious. Learn as much as you can about all facets of the business early in your career so you can determine which area sparks your passion the most.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: A high school coach or a player on the LPGA Tour.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Mathematics at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Go Seahawks!
LOOKING FORWARD TO: In addition to being an ambassador for the tremendous brand of Munich Re, Im looking forward to having fun and working with a great group of colleagues to over-deliver for our brokers, customers and our organization we aim to be a market of choice. I am also looking forward to personal growth and learning.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Thats a tough one as I am a bit of a foodie and enjoy trying different things, but Id say my favorite being those shared with family and friends. Now, my favorite dessert is easier dark chocolate or my grandmothers red velvet cake.
BOOK: I am a junkie for leadership and team-building books.
HOBBIES: Some have shared they think work is my hobby. Other than work, I enjoy golf, yoga, travel, coastal outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.
TV SHOW: Im not really a television-watcher, although I follow Yellowstone through my friends who are all hooked on the show.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: NULL
