2025 Women to Watch Iconic Leaders

Over the past two decades, Business Insurance’s Women to Watch Awards have recognized hundreds of exceptional executives who have made a lasting impact on the insurance and risk management industry.

These leaders have built impressive careers — launching innovative products and businesses, driving growth, shaping company culture, mentoring others and in some cases advancing to the C-suite.

In this milestone year, we have reconnected with a select group of past honorees whose continued accomplishments exemplify the spirit of Women to Watch. These 10 Iconic Leaders, selected by the Women to Watch Board and BI staff, have risen to the top through talent, determination and vision — and with the empathy and collaboration that have long defined leadership at its best.


To hear directly from the Women to Watch Iconic Leaders, visit BusinessInsurance.com/Iconic to watch them reflect on the choices that shaped their careers, what it means to be a “leader of leaders,” the value of teamwork and even their favorite day of the week to connect.

Their achievements continue to shape the industry and to inspire those who follow.

Gavin Souter, editor

2006 HONOREE 

Tracey Ant
Title when awarded: Managing director, Marsh
Title today: Head of middle and large commercial, The Hartford

2006 HONOREE

Brenda (Ballard) Austenfeld
Title when awarded:
Executive vice president, Westrope
Title today: Co-president of RT Specialty and CEO of RT National Property, Ryan Specialty

2017 HONOREE

Lisa Corless
Title when awarded: President, AF Group
Title today: President and CEO, AF Group

2010 HONOREE

Alexis Faber
Title when awarded:
Chief operating officer, specialty practices, Willis Towers Watson
Title today: Chief operating officer, Willis Towers Watson

2006 HONOREE

Alexandra Glickman
Title when awarded:
Area vice chair, managing director, real estate practice leader, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Title today: Senior managing director, global practice leader real estate and hospitality, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

2016 HONOREE

Lori Goltermann
Title when awarded:
CEO for U.S. retail, Aon
Title today: CEO, North America and global regions, Aon

2013 HONOREE

Sabrina Hart
Title when awarded:
Chief underwriting officer, global corporate, Zurich North America
Title today: President and CEO, Munich Re Specialty

2013 HONOREE

Carolina Klint
Title when awarded:
Regional president, U.S. Southeast region, American International Group
Title today: Chief commercial officer Europe, Marsh McLennan

2022 HONOREE

Michelle Sartain
Title when awarded:
Managing director, head of specialty U.S. and Canada, Marsh
Title today: President, Marsh U.S. and Canada

2020 HONOREE

Julie Wood
Title when awarded:
Southeast zone leader, Marsh
Title today: CEO, QBE North America