One woman featured here, Tracey Gibbons, senior vice president,
specialty reinsurance at Allied World Assurance Company, has been described as a role model for women in insurance everywhere, and dedicates her time to supporting women in the industry. Having joined the industry when there were few women underwriters and fewer women in senior positions, Gibbons frequently mentors up-and-coming executives and works closely with the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies giving advice and guidance to students wanting to enter the insurance industry, in order to help foster the next generation of women. “When I first entered the industry in the early 1980s, it was very male-dominated with a culture that did not lend itself well to the advancement of women. The industry was outdated in its outlook and the way it approached the day-to-day transaction of business. It was also a time of tremendous change in the way business was conducted and in overall attitudes,” she says. “However, this landscape offered many opportunities for those
who were willing to work hard, apply and promote themselves. I’d like to say that I got to where I am today by sheer hard work and perseverance, and while that was a large part of it, over the years a number of individuals have championed and challenged me when I needed that little extra push or encouragement.”
“80 percent of female millennials globally believe insurance firms talk about diversity, but that opportunities are not equal for all.” PwC report
Kelly Smith, president, Aon Benfield US, also feels that it is important to get involved with organisations, and not just those solely supporting women. “I have been introduced to and given the opportunity to work with many charitable organisations, some of which have invited me to be a board member, and others that have just expanded my awareness. I feel it is important that we all find ways to give something back,” she says. On the following pages, we profile the women in
the industry who are creating role models for the younger female generation. ■
www.intelligentinsurer.com
2015 | INTELLIGENT INSURER | 7
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