EMILY LOWE | Age: 39 New England regional leader, cyber, FINEX and E&O

Willis Towers Watson PLC

Boston

Emily Lowe began her career in the insurance industry in 2009 amid the financial crisis. She worked first as a professional liability underwriter at then-Ace American Insurance Co. before switching to the broking side of the business to join Willis Towers Watson in 2014. In her current role, she leads the placement of cyber and professional liability risks for a portfolio of clients, managing a team of six brokers.

What is the biggest challenge of working through the pandemic?

We’ve had two team members join us in the midst of the social distancing and work from home. Making sure they had the appropriate support, from getting their laptops and equipment, to onboarding, and making them feel part of the team while all working separately has been something I’ve been very mindful of while working from home.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?

Learning the different pockets and parts of insurance is something that I would recommend someone starting in insurance think about. My background as an underwriter has helped me immensely as a broker. I know the process that they go through, the challenges that they face, and it’s helped me better negotiate.

How will your work change going forward?

The word that I keep coming back to is adapting. What my job and work responsibilities look like now could change in three months, depending on what Willis decides is the best way to bring everyone back into the office. I’m trying to be as adaptable as possible from a work process perspective.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at 18?

Think about insurance as a career. COVID-19 gives us an opportunity to appreciate what insurance is and the value it plays in the economy, too.

All-time favorite movie?

I love “Harry Potter” movies.

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