2018 Break Out Awards, West: Veronica Romano
Posted On: Jun. 4, 2018 12:00 AM CST
VERONICA ROMANO
Underwriting manager, middle market commercial
Zurich North America
Denver
Age: 36
Veronica Romano joined Zurich North America’s associate program after graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Attracted to the program by the chance to try out various roles, she cycled through different disciplines before going on to work in small business, national accounts and business development prior to joining Zurich’s middle market business in 2015, where she manages teams in Denver and Los Angeles.
Job change over the next 10 years
I do think we’ll see increased disruption over the next 10 years by insurtech and some other at-this-point-unknown entities. Clearly, technology is going to play a much larger role in a lot of facets. From a carrier standpoint, I think underwriting will become less line-of-business-focused and will become much more customer-centric and customer-driven. Customers are looking for more all-inclusive solutions.
Advice to someone starting in the business
Not just in the insurance industry but starting everywhere, I always say learn from every situation, listen, ask a lot of questions and, No. 1, build relationships, both internal and external.
Best-kept secret about insurance
There’s a career for everyone in insurance. All interests and personalities get covered. There are career paths for people interested in mathematics, sales, legal, engineering, marketing, data analytics — there’s opportunities for everyone.
Something people don’t know about you
I play four musical instruments: oboe, flute, piccolo and piano. My grandfather was a band director, so I was put into music very early. Piano was first, oboe was second and then I taught myself flute and piccolo.
Hobbies and interests
Golf, traveling, I love to read, and spending time with my family.