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Ann Haugh

Posted On: Dec. 2, 2012 12:00 AM CST

Ann Haugh

Ann Haugh
Group Chief of Staff
Zurich Insurance Co. Ltd.
Zurich
Age: 41

 

Ann Haugh became group chief of staff for Zurich Insurance Co. Ltd. in Zurich on Aug. 1. In her job, she is responsible for overseeing the operational delivery of corporate communications, group human resources, group marketing and group strategy. Ms. Haugh first joined Zurich in 1996 in the specialties division, then worked for several years at Arch Insurance Co. before returning to Zurich in 2007 as chief operating officer-global corporate America. Two years later, she was named chief operating officer-global corporate and in 2011 was named CEO-global corporate United Kingdom.

 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?

Find your niche, ask a lot of questions and listen actively, build your network, find a sponsor, prove yourself — work hard ... but have fun doing it. If you aren't doing what you love, try something else. Reach higher, don’t be afraid to be empathetic, always be authentic.

 

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE?

Stay true to who you are. Always treat people with respect. Be confident in your abilities, and don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

 

WHAT’S THE BEST-KEPT SECRET ABOUT WORKING IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

The opportunities are endless, many different and diverse roles within one industry — technical, sales, global, local — always an opportunity to learn something new every day ... very dynamic. Great people!

 

WHAT’S THE NEXT MAJOR CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS SECTOR?

Growth in a time of crisis and differentiating our propositions for the evolving needs of our diverse customer segments.

 

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS?

Go to the gym, read and listen to music.

 

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET VICE?

Red wine, but I am not sure that is a secret.

 

WHAT SKILL HAS BEEN AN UNEXPECTED AID TO YOUR CAREER?

Being intuitive to what is going on around me, to “read” people effectively and to manage through influence ... it can be quite powerful.

 

WHAT’S AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?

I’m not the most adventurous type, but on my bucket list is lots of travel all around the world.

 

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