2016 Women to Watch: Dorina Hertner

Dorina Hertner
Director of corporate insurance and risk management
7-Eleven Inc.
Irving, Texas
Age: 47

Risk management is a passion for Dorina Hertner. So is mentoring other women and the next generation of insurance and risk management professionals.

She leveraged a Bachelor of Science in math from Texas Tech University and her love of analytics into a career in risk management, including positions with Plano, Texas-based retailer J.C. Penney Co. and Carrollton, Texas-based motel chain G6 Hospitality L.L.C., previously Accor North America.

“Analytics are everywhere now,” she said. “It’s become the new norm, and I think we’re making great use of big data to help make better decisions and better anticipate what’s going to happen.”

Ms. Hertner is currently the director of corporate insurance and risk management for convenience store chain 7-Eleven Inc. and the president of the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc. She also mentors risk management students at the University of North Texas and is helping form a local chapter of the Women Insurance Networking Group, but she doesn’t see mentorship as a one-way street.

“It’s not just that we need to help the millennials understand the work world,” she said. “We need to understand their work world, their work style, where they’re headed. It’s complementing each other and that just creates a great deal of respect and collaboration ... I think there’s a big opportunity for us to cross-mentor and support each other, because the world is changing and we both need the help to get ahead.” 

Olivier Poirot, Dallas-based CEO of restaurant conglomerate Le Duff America Inc., sings the praises of his former Accor risk manager, whom he still considers a close confidant and adviser. He raved about her ability to help French officials understand the complexities of 50 state workers compensation systems.

“She’s obviously incredibly smart,” he said. “She’s one of those individuals who gives you the feeling that she has the answer to your question before you even ask it.” 

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