Senior Vp
Lockton Insurance Brokers L.L.C.
Los Angeles
Age: 48

Teena Hostovich began her insurance career in 1978 in the training program at Johnson & Higgins in Los Angeles. She worked her way up the ranks of the brokerage and its successor, Marsh Inc., over the next 22 years, eventually becoming a senior client executive and senior vp in charge of the higher education practice on the West Coast as well as the law firm practice. Ms. Hostovich joined Lockton Insurance in 2001 as a senior vp in Los Angeles and is considered the brokerage’s leading authority on professional liability for major law firms and higher education. As Lockton’s top female producer internationally, Ms. Hostovich has almost single-handedly developed Lockton’s clientele among large national law firms. Under her leadership, Lockton’s revenues in the lawyer’s market have increased by 4,000% over the last six years. In May, Ms. Hostovich was an “Executive of the Year” nominee at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s annual “Women Making a Difference” event honoring Los Angeles’ most successful women.

Early aspirations: "I wanted to be a writer. Fortunately, I find myself able to incorporate my love of the written word into my professional life on a daily basis. I also wanted to be someone who makes a difference to the people around them, and I strive to achieve that every day."

Best professional advice: "My friend and partner Mark Carlin, Lockton executive vp, told me: 'What got you to this point will keep you from becoming what you need to be. It’s essential to constantly challenge yourself; be honest about what you can do better and do it.'"

Advice to young women: "Believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone set limits for you or define who you are or what you can achieve. It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. Be a constant student of our business and of your client’s business. Take risks—you can’t grow if you don’t. Trust your instincts, they’re right more often than you can possible imagine. Find an organization in your community that you believe in and get involved. Work hard. Always give 110% or more. Dream big."

2007 Women to Watch Home