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2017 Break Out Awards, Midwest: Chris Rafferty

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2017 Break Out Awards, Midwest: Chris Rafferty

CHRIS RAFFERTY

Managing director

Aon Risk Solutions

Chicago

Age: 37

Chris Rafferty got his start as an intern for Aon Risk Solutions. He didn’t immediately return to the industry, however, working first in investment banking and then attending business school. Even while working in investment banking, the insurance industry intrigued him, specifically directors and officers liability insurance. In the mid-2000s, he transitioned to Aon Risk Solutions’ financial service group, and last year he was appointed managing director.

Best advice you’ve been given

In this business, your reputation is everything. Don’t do anything to compromise it.

Best-kept secret about insurance

What I really like about insurance is that it allows me to utilize a lot of the same skills and requirements that I used in my investment banking days. It allows me to do so while also having a much higher quality of life and a much better work/life balance. It allows me to tackle complex financial and client service challenges while also being home in time for dinner and bedtime with kids.

What inspires you?

The people in the industry inspire me. The work ethic, the intellect, creativity and generosity of a lot of the people in our industry is impressive.

How do you unwind?

My wife and I have three young children, so I wouldn’t call it unwinding. But definitely getting home and spending quality time with them and hearing about the day in the life of a first-grader or preschooler is my favorite way to end the day.

Something people don’t know about you

I was the fifth-string quarterback on the University of Evansville in my freshman year of college. After that year, the university dropped the football programs, which I’m convinced was a product of them looking at my recruiting class and saying, “If this is the best we can do, we might as well throw in the towel.” 

 

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