2018 Break Out Awards, Northeast: Laura Zoltan
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LAURA ZOLTAN 33
Arch Insurance Co.
Regional vice president – executive assurance
New York
Age: 33
Laura Zoltan had her first brush with the insurance industry in her junior year of college during an internship with Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. That internship led to a job offer, and two years later she accepted a position with Arch Insurance Co., a unit of Arch Capital Group Ltd., where she underwrites professional and management liability insurance for financial institutions.
Emerging risks in your specialty
I think the increased use of and investments in cryptocurrency is definitely a hot topic right now. It’s such a highly volatile and speculative asset with a limited track record and a lot of regulatory uncertainty, so underwriters are especially cautious of the heightened regulatory, theft and cyber risks in the space.
Job change over the next 10 years
I think with continued advances in technology and artificial intelligence and both buyers and sellers of insurance striving for more efficiencies, I expect more of the job will be more automated over the next 10 years. But I don’t think there’s any true substitute like effective decision-making or negotiation, at least not yet.
Advice to someone starting in the business
Network and get your name and face out there. Attend industry events and luncheons. Always take the time to meet people in person. I think being smart and technical will definitely go a long way, but it’s definitely these strong, interpersonal relationships that drive favorable business outcomes.
Best-kept secret about insurance
That it’s a fun industry to work in and I don’t think people think fun when they hear the word “insurance.” Not every job has perks like attending sporting events or dining at New York’s greatest restaurants with colleagues and training partners.
Something people don’t know about you
I performed in an improv and sketch comedy troupe.
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2018 Break Out Awards
The 2018 Business Insurance Break Out Awards highlight the potential future leaders of the insurance and risk management sector from across the United States.
