March 29, 2023

NAME: Havis Wright

NEW JOB TITLE: Richmond, Virginia-based senior vice president of inland marine, Skyward Specialty

PREVIOUS POSITION: Richmond, Virginia-based head of inland marine, Richmond National Insurance

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The future is bright in inland marine. Continued innovation in moving and managing goods continues to create opportunities in logistics and transportation. In addition, where and how we live pushes opportunities in the construction sector. This, combined with the other specialized property risks we entertain in inland marine, keeps the discipline busy.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: I’m excited to bring the Skyward Specialty presence and capability to new audiences. I’m also keenly interested in ensuring that we remain a very desirable place to start or grow a career in insurance.

CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Talent, the need for viable pathways to and within the business from underwriting, claims and IT remain significant. This is a great business, and we need to continue working hard to attract and retain great colleagues.

FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I was part of the underwriter training program with The Hartford for many years. It was excellent, focused and formal training in the underwriting discipline and a big reason I remain in the industry today.

ADVICE: The best thing for new professionals is to ask questions and work to understand the coverages relevant to your function.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I would love to be a tour guide. The opportunity to meet a lot of new people and share the story of a place sounds like a wonderful way to spend every day.

COLLEGE MAJOR: Economics

LOOKING FORWARD TO: One of the best things about the culture here is that our colleagues are bright, highly engaged and very generous. I’m looking forward to advancing that spirit into this new realm. Skyward Specialty leverages technology differently, distributing differently, and engaging colleagues differently, which I’m very excited to be able to take part in.

FAVORITE MEAL: I’m a native Midwesterner, so few things are better than a grilled steak and carrot cake.

BOOK: “Things Fall Apart” is a work I’ve revisited quite a few times after first being assigned to read it in high school.

HOBBIES: Cooking and traveling are two of my great joys.

TV SHOW: “CBS Sunday Morning.” Its programming gives me consistent exposure to many things I wouldn’t otherwise know.

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: I’m fortunately based in central Virginia, where I have great access to water, mountains and other opportunities to get outside. So any chance to go to a Virginia winery, beach or up into the Blue Ridge is a great Saturday.