2006 Women to Watch: Tracey Ant
Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST
Managing Director
Marsh Inc.
New York
Age: 41
As the Multilines Risk Practice Leader for North America, Tracey Ant is responsible for advisory, placement and service functions on a national basis for Marsh’s $200 million middle-market segment, known within the brokerage as “multilines.” She joined Marsh in 1993 as a casualty broker and has held various positions with increasing degrees of responsibility over the past 13 years. Prior to joining Marsh, Ms. Ant was a casualty underwriter at Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "It’s so important to learn the technical side of our trade. Our clients look to us to be that trusted advisor and we have a responsibility to educate and inform them about what risk means to their company. Take advantage of every opportunity (formal and informal) to learn. Develop a strong network within the industry—it will serve you throughout your career. Find a couple of mentors in and outside the industry whom you trust to provide you with guidance and honest feedback as you grow in your profession."
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "While so many in this business have had an influence on my career, I would have to say that my parents have had the single biggest influence. They instilled strong values: uncompromised work ethic, loyalty, honesty, never give up. They shaped who I am and provided the support to succeed."
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "The insurance industry is a fantastic industry with extraordinarily bright people and vast opportunity. I think that more uniformity and consistency in insurance regulation would create efficiencies that don’t currently exist which would ultimately benefit our clients."