the Strategic Planning Committee, within ARIAS. In addition, Field was recently asked to serve on the claims and litigation management (CLM) Reinsurance and Run-off Advisory Board. She has a JD from Valparaiso University School of Law,
Valparaiso, Indiana and a BA from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. Licensed to practise law since 1991, Field is also an ARIAS Certified Arbitrator. Field also serves on Zurich’s Women Innovation Network (WIN) Leadership Board and is one of the Chairpersons for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee within WIN. She is also the executive sponsor within Zurich for raising important funds for the American Heart Association.
Name: Ann Field
Company: Zurich Group Reinsurance Job:
Global head of reinsurance recoveries, claims and asset management
Timeline: 2013—Global head of reinsurance recoveries, claims and asset management, Zurich Group Reinsurance 2001—Vice president, head of reinsurance recoveries North America, Zurich North America 1998—Reinsurance manager, environmental claims, Zurich North America 1997—Account specialist, mass litigation department, Zurich North America 1995—Environmental claims counsel, Argonaut Insurance Company
Ann Field is the global head of reinsurance recoveries, claims, and asset management within Zurich Insurance Group’s reinsurance department. As the global head, Field’s department assists in the management of over $17 billion of reinsurance assets. The reinsurance asset is Zurich’s second largest asset. Field is responsible for all reinsurance recoveries and commutations
around the globe. In addition to overseeing the global recoveries and reinsurance assets, she oversees global teams that are charged with the oversight and management of the inward reinsurance claims. Group reinsurance is also proud of the industry-leading communication team that was implemented by Field. Since entering the insurance industry in 1995, Field has had a
broad range of complex reinsurance and direct insurance coverage experience across every line of property and casualty business. She has overseen over 100 reinsurance arbitrations and is recognised as a leader in this space. In particular, Field is a member of the board of directors for the ARIAS-US organisation, currently serving as a vice president of the executive board of ARIAS. She is the committee chair for the Forms and Procedures Committee and also serves as a co-chair on the International Committee and Committee member of
www.intelligentinsurer.com
Why did you choose to work in this industry initially? The insurance industry found me! I did not set out originally to work in the insurance industry. I went to law school to help underprivileged individuals. However, I took a detour from the non-profit and private practice of law when a friend encouraged me to apply to the insurance company that she was at. I surprised myself at how interesting the insurance business was and I quickly took another turn into reinsurance where I continue to remain passionate about my job every day. The complexities of the insurance and reinsurance contracts and diverse claims coupled with running the business makes this a fascinating career and I never get bored.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? I am currently at a high point of my career—in November 2013 I was promoted to be the global head of reinsurance recoveries, claims, and asset management. Having a global role at one of the best and largest insurance companies in the world, is an exciting career change for me. I am enjoying implementing global initiatives, working with colleagues around the globe, learning every day about many cultures and finding opportunities to add value and make a difference on a global scale.
What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered? Like many people, I have had my share of large and small obstacles, both professional and personal. Each obstacle that I overcame made me a better leader at work and a better role model for my three children. When I mentor others who are facing challenges, I remind them that the experience will make him/her a better leader and to keep that perspective. I often remind myself of this as well when I struggle with difficult people or work situations. Every situation is a life lesson.
If you had chosen a different profession/career path, what would it have been? I would be running my own company or law firm right now. My father owned his own business as a veterinarian and I grew up working in the family business as well as watching him run a business. It was a great start to understanding how to run a successful business and it has certainly helped me in running a global team of reinsurance professionals including lawyers, accountants and claim professionals.
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