Women to Watch: Inga K. Beale

Inga K. Beale

Chief Executive Officer

Converium Holdings Ltd.

Zurich, Switzerland

Age: 43

Inga K. Beale was named chief executive of Converium in February 2006. She started her reinsurance career working as an underwriter specializing in reinsurance at U.K.-based insurer Prudential Assurance Co. In 1992, she joined GE Insurance Solutions where she headed up the U.K. underwriting team. In 2001, Ms. Beale took on the role of global underwriting audit leader at Kansas City, Mo.-based GEIS, before becoming global underwriting co-leader in 2002. In 2003 she assumed responsibility for GEIS property/casualty business throughout continental Europe, Middle East and Africa. In 2004 she was appointed president and chairman of GE Frankona Re in Munich, Germany.

Greatest influence: "A mentor from the industry, a woman now retired, who spent time with me--mainly listening but who also shared her experiences with me. She gave me the confidence to pursue my career as, through spending time with her, I realized that most of us go through very similar development patterns. Sometimes you have periods of self-doubt but this is quite normal and by just believing in your own ability, you will succeed."