UP CLOSE: Chris Middleton

Chris Middleton

LOS ANGELES-BASED NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEADER

CNA Financial Corp.

PREVIOUS POSITION: Los Angeles-based senior business development consultant for CompWest Insurance Co.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: The growth opportunities and helping the company rebrand itself as one of the industry leaders in the insurance marketplace in Los Angeles.

GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Increasing CNA's visibility with agents, brokers and our clients and delivering on our promise to exceed the expectations and deliver outstanding customer service.

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: The attracting of the younger generation into the insurance industry. The average age in the industry is 55 years old. When people retire, we are losing that education and knowledge. I want the younger generation to see the insurance industry as a viable career.

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Very positive. We have survived several years in a row without large catastrophes, with the exception of (Superstorm) Sandy. The marketplace is shaping up, and I see a softening market.

FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: A commission-only insurance agent making $1,500 a month. My mentor that brought me in kept it low so I would go out and hustle and stay hungry.

WHAT SURPRISED ME: The longevity. Nothing moves without insurance. The general population doesn't realize how insurance is entrenched in everyday life.

ADVICE: To come into it with your eyes open ... This is something you can build as a great career. It's not just a job.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Working with children and make sure they are given a quality education and opportunities.

HOBBIES: Spending time with my family. We travel a lot within the state of California. I enjoy golfing, reading and cooking. I have young children, so most of my time is (spent) with family.

BEST CITY: Los Angeles ... so much to do and see.