MATT WAGNER | Age: 29 Manager of construction property for metro New York & construction business execution leader

Zurich North America

New York

Matt Wagner began his career with Willis Towers Watson PLC as a risk management analyst, a role that enabled him to become adept at construction broking, client advocacy, claims and engineering. He later joined the construction property team at Zurich North America where he manages a book of business ranging from large contractors to developers.

What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?

Be prepared to be agile. The market never ceases to amaze from the perspective that it is ever evolving, and it is ever changing.

How are technological advances affecting your job?

The insurance space is a little bit behind the technology pace that the rest of the world seems to be moving at. Customers have a strong desire for insurers in general to catch up and to be able to meet the speed at which they are growing.

What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?

I think just a lot of transparency for new and innovative products. A lot of things remain the way that they always have been but because the construction industry’s growing and evolving in so many different ways, there are different needs in the marketplace that require creative solutions.

What do you wish more people knew about insurance?

I wish that people knew how creative it can be and how rewarding it can be. It is a highly collaborative workforce; it’s a very competitive workforce.

Favorite hobby or pastime?

Tailgating with my family at Northwestern football games.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a young guy, I really wanted to be an archaeologist. I found mummies fascinating. I loved “Jurassic Park,” “Indiana Jones.”