2019 Break Out Awards, South: Matt Meyer
Posted On: Jun. 1, 2019 12:00 AM CST
MATT MEYER
Area president
Risk Placement Services Inc., a unit of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Lexington, Kentucky
Age: 36
Matt Meyer leads the largest branch in the Southeast for Risk Placement Services Inc., a unit of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., and manages $15 million in revenue. A former binding underwriter and broker, Mr. Meyer uses his degree in mathematics from the University of Kentucky to think analytically about the risks faced by retailers, carriers and vendors. Among the youngest leaders in the company, he credits leadership courses offered by parent company Gallagher for helping him grow.
What is the No. 1 concern in your specialty?
One concern is the talent shortage that the industry is facing. I have a very optimistic approach. We are addressing that concern with career development programs. We are expediting the development of our current team with a myriad of training programs.
How do you see your job changing over the next 10 years?
The increased rate of change over the next 10 years will be driven primarily by technology. It is accelerating the rate of new risks and exposures.
What surprised you about the insurance industry?
How underrepresented insurance is at the university level.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I have the most adorable twin boys in the entire world. But it’s now the only thing I talk about. They are 10 months old.
What would you/do you binge watch?
There’s no question that my wife and I are on the “Game of Thrones” bandwagon.
What is your favorite meal?
I love Ethiopian food. I don’t eat a lot of meat, and they naturally have a very plant-based cuisine, (so) I decided to give it a try. The seasonings are amazing.