NAME: Stephanie M. Cox
NEW JOB TITLE: Columbus, Georgia-based senior vice president, commercial property/casualty practice leader for Oakbridge Insurance
PREVIOUS POSITION: Columbus, Georgia-based senior vice president, commercial property/casualty practice leader for Oakbridge Insurance
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Overall, there continues to be a growing need for property/casualty products and services. Despite the pandemic and natural disasters, our industry remains strong and vital. One area of particular growth is technology. Cyber coverage continues to evolve and change in order to adapt to the developments and advances happening in this area, including new uses for drones and other devices.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My biggest goal is to create synergy among a growing number of branch offices throughout the Southeast, maximizing our use of technology, and standardizing our workflows and operating procedures.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: There are a few challenges we see consistently in the industry right now. Auto insurance premiums continue to rise with only one insurer making a profit. Cyber incidents have increased dramatically, which has affected coverage availability and pricing. Building costs have gone up dramatically as a result of the pandemic, forcing businesses to increase their coverage to avoid being underinsured.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I started my career in the anistics division of Alexander & Alexander in Dallas. We compiled claims data for our Fortune 500 clients to assist with their risk management strategies.
ADVICE: For those interested in sales, I recommend specializing in the needs of one or two industry sectors. This will help you stand out in the industry and become a go-to resource for your areas of expertise. For those in service, take advantage of any education opportunities you can and pursue designations that are appropriate for your position. For all professionals, its also essential to regularly connect with and learn from colleagues and mentors their support, insight and guidance along the way will be instrumental to your growth and development as a professional.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Professional golfer
COLLEGE MAJOR: Risk management and insurance, University of Georgia
LOOKING FORWARD TO: I have always been passionate about teaching, mentoring and helping people achieve their very best, and I am excited to continue doing that for associates and teams throughout our company. For the past 15 years, I have been an insurance instructor for the State of Georgia and look forward to using that experience to develop an in-house training program for account managers that expands upon the materials covered in those courses and deepens our companys culture of lifelong learning.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Crab legs
BOOK: Kane and Abel, by Jeffrey Archer
HOBBIES: Golf, reading, going to UGA football games
TV SHOW: The Office
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Watch college football or play golf.
