UP CLOSE: Michael O'Connell
Reprints
NEW YORK-BASED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS INDUSTRY LEADER
Willis North America Inc.
PREVIOUS POSITION: New York-based financial institutions practice leader at Aon Risk Solutions
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: To grow Willis' market share in the financial intuitions market and to help to shape our value ... to financial institutions. The idea of mobilizing and harnessing our resources and capabilities to develop innovative solutions and services to help our clients enhance profitability and accelerate growth is extremely exciting.
CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: There is a paradigm shift in the financial space that's changing the risk landscape for banks, insurance companies, asset managers and financial technology companies. (There are) regulatory changes ... technology changes ... (and) overall demographics with a new generation of customers with different expectations of financials institutions.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: With these changes, we see this as an opportunity for Willis to be a true risk management partner.
FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: Financial institutions underwriter at (American International Group Inc.).
ADVICE: Listen intently to clients, and don't be afraid to take chances.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Playing tight end for the New York Giants.
HOBBIES: Playing soccer, golfing, running, traveling and running our dog on the beach.
THING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: My mom was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. Growing up, I think three-quarters of my friends didn't understand her with her accent.
FAVORITE BOOK: “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” by Michael Lewis.
FAVORITE MEAL: Any kind of sushi.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Hanging out with my family, including our two daughters, or watching them on some athletic field.
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