Women to Watch: Kathleen Swendsen

Kathleen Swendsen

President, Travelers Global Technology Underwriting

St. Paul Travelers Cos. Inc.

Age: 49

Kathleen Swendsen's career began 22 years ago when she joined The St. Paul Cos. as a programmer and has since worked on special projects related to corporate mergers and acquisitions as well as a major restructuring. Before beginning her new role in July, she served as vp and chief administrative officer for the Travelers Financial and Professional Services unit that sells executive liability and professional coverages to public companies, financial institutions and various professionals. In her current position, she oversees a division with $495 million in gross written premiums and more than 200 employees.

Advice for young women: "Throughout your career, the degree to which you can be effective in your job will be a measure of your ability to work with...colleagues and customers. You don't have to like them. You don't have to agree with them on everything. You do have to find a way to build and sustain working relationships to achieve business goals. Don't burn bridges."