2018 Break Out Awards, Northeast: Issy Bustamante
Posted On: Jun. 4, 2018 12:00 AM CST
ISSY BUSTAMANTE
Vice president, construction claims team leader
Willis Towers Watson P.L.C.
New York
Age: 36
Issy Bustamante is the construction claims team leader for Willis Towers Watson P.L.C. and a member of the construction practice’s leadership team. She came to Willis Towers Watson in 2012 as a senior consultant and was promoted to team leader in 2015. Prior to this, she had been with Axa Insurance Co. and Wright Risk Management Co. L.L.C. after beginning her career in 2003 with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Emerging risks in your specialty
The construction industry is experiencing a revolution at the moment. Companies using new technologies, such as building information modeling, the use of drones and automated vehicles and heavy machinery, and 3-D printing, can lead to risks that we may not have considered previously.
Job change over the next 10 years
Claims management for the construction industry in the next 10 years will become more challenging. As all of these new risks evolve, the associated coverages will be new. There will be new coverage terms, and with each new claim that comes through the coverage will be tested to see how it responds. Navigating the coverage, which may not have established case law, may make for some interesting discussions and negotiations.
Advice to someone starting in the business
In an industry dominated by electronic interactions, the only thing I can say is pick up the phone. Calling clients and colleagues and setting up time to meet and collaborate is so important.
Best-kept secret about insurance
Insurance is not boring. I actually would say that it is fun. I know that handling claims is like being Sherlock Holmes with a medical degree who also dabbles in litigation.
Favorite meal
I don’t have a favorite food, but my favorite meal is dinner. It’s the most important meal of the day for me.