2006 Women to Watch: Dierdre H. Littlefield
Starr Marine Agency Inc. Reprints
Director of Business Development
Starr Marine Agency Inc.
New York
Age: 54
Deirdre H. Littlefield’s more than 30 years of experience in both marine and nonmarine lines includes managing worldwide marine operations for the Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. and serving as a senior vp and director of special lines for Swiss Reinsurance America Corp. Just prior to becoming director of business development for Starr Marine Agency this year, she was president of insurance at Quanta Insurance Group. In September she was elected president of the International Union of Marine Insurance. She is the first woman president in IUMI’s 132-year history, she said. She was also the first woman Chairman of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters, serving from 2000 to 2002.
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "The public image of the insurance industry. It is an interesting and exciting industry which offers rewarding careers."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "Challenge yourself—the opportunities are enormous."
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "Throughout my career I have encountered individuals at all levels who willingly shared their time and expertise. The insurance industry has an abundance of talented professionals able and willing to serve as teachers, mentors and role models."
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Leaders, innovators are selected as 'Women to Watch'
Business Insurance's report on "Women to Watch" is our attempt to identify some of the women who are leading change in commercial insurance, risk management, employee benefits and related fields.
