PREVIOUS POSITION: New York-based North America regional head of property, Allianz Commercial North America

OUTLOOK FOR THE INDUSTRY: I am excited about the future of the insurance industry. It’s an incredible, dynamic industry, and in addition to the great talent we currently have, we continue to attract great new talent into the industry. On the risk side, with the introduction of better and faster technology, there is an opportunity to really drive insights, product development and innovation for our insureds in a way we haven’t seen in the past. So, in short, I am bullish.

GOALS FOR YOUR NEW POSITION: I am excited to work with our talented teams across our products in North America to understand how we can grow Allianz in North America and continue to provide strong, innovative solutions to our clients and brokers across the region.

CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: The challenges facing our industry are many, starting with talent and continuing to be able to attract strong talent to the industry, to offer balanced work environments, and to improve the diversity of our teams. On the risk side, there continue to be many evolving challenges but when we survey our clients in our annual Allianz Risk Barometer Cyber, Business Interruption and Natural Catastrophes continue to be top of mind for our customers. Though there are many more emerging risks we could name, it is important to ensure we are focusing on addressing what is most important for our customers.

FIRST EXPERIENCE: My first experience in the insurance industry was an internship in college with a regional personal lines company headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois. It was a blended discipline program with focus on homeowners underwriting and personal auto claims. It was an incredibly powerful learning opportunity which helped me get a deeper understanding of insurance and the complexities of corporate management. As an industry, it is so important that we keep focusing on internships, apprenticeships and training programs as they are important pipelines for bringing new talent into our industry.

ADVICE FOR A NEWCOMER: Be curious, ask questions and raise your hand for opportunities. Dig in and put your best into what you do because your work product and your reputation become your resume. Think strategically and always try to connect what you are doing to the bigger picture. Communicate, communicate, communicate. Learning how to communicate effectively and articulately is critical for success. If you can navigate and refine those skills, then your potential is limitless.

DREAM JOB: I love traveling and I’ve always thought being a travel writer would be an amazing job.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: I am excited to work with our talented teams across our products in North America to understand how we can grow Allianz in North America and continue to provide strong, innovative solutions to our clients and brokers across the region.

COLLEGE MAJOR: Risk management

FAVORITE MEAL: Anything home-cooked

FAVORITE BOOK: I love reading, so it is hard to pick a favorite. Great/inspiring books I have read recently include “Long Walk to Freedom,” the autobiography of Nelson Mandela; “The Paris Architect,” by Charles Belfoure; and “Year of Yes,” by Shonda Rhimes.

HOBBIES: I love playing with my kids, anything outdoors – hiking, running, camping, yoga and reading.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: “Schitt’s Creek” is amazing.

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: After a long week of work, hanging out with my family is my favorite activity on the weekend.