Executive Vp and Chief of Staff

XL Capital Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Age: 49

Following a career from 1983-1997 at broker Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc.—where Fiona E. Luck was appointed managing director and head of Marsh’s global broking operations in Bermuda—and then a two-year stint at ACE Ltd., she joined XL Capital Ltd. as executive vp-group operations in 1999. When XL earlier this year realigned some of its senior management, creating an “Office of the CEO,” Ms. Luck was named chief of staff. In this role, she is charged with overseeing all of the company’s legal, marketing, human resources, corporate communications, corporate actuarial and corporate strategy functions, among other things.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?

A: "I was fortunate to have the three Bobs at Marsh who were great influences: Bob Clements, Bob Newhouse and Bob Redmond. Then I think of the influences of the two Brians—Brian O'Hara of XL and Brian Duperreault at ACE. Obviously there have been great women influences in my life as well—my mother; my grandmother; Ellen Thrower—a director on XL Capital Ltd.'s board; and Myra Tobin, who was the first woman managing director at Marsh."

Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?

A: "There's a huge opportunity in the industry still for talented women. Having a professional designation whether it be an actuarial qualification, financial qualification, legal background, or an underwriting designation is really important. It gives you the opportunity to compete with anybody on a consistent basis. I would also advise that women not turn down any opportunity to expand their experience whether it is international or going into a different area. I would also advise women to learn to network with both men and women and to be willing to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness. People are very willing to give it."

Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?

A: "If I had the ability to change one thing about the insurance industry, it would be to increase the level of awareness as to the importance of consistent professional development."

2006 Women to Watch Home