MICHELLE LANDVER | Age: 39 Senior vice president and principal

Newfront

San Francisco

Michelle Landver grew up in personal lines insurance, working summers at her family’s agency, but after graduating from Pepperdine she sought to branch out and tried commercial lines. Starting off at Bolton & Co., she moved to Marsh & McLennan Agency in 2012 and joined Newfront in 2021.

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

If we want to attract new people into what I think is an incredibly wonderful industry, we have to be competitive and show that we have a culture-first approach, and we have to show that we are flexible. Everyone wants to feel fulfilled by their work, so it’s not just about doing the job but also about feeling like your opinion matters.

What do you wish more people knew about insurance?

I wish people knew that it is a dynamic, interesting, evolving business where you get the opportunity to learn how a company does what it does. I focus on consumer product brands and companies, and I love the fact that when I go to the store and I buy something, I have an understanding of how that product was made, how it was transported, how it got to the shop and how it was designed.

What’s something about you that would surprise people?

I grew up in Los Angeles and I told my parents I wanted to be on TV, so they got me an acting agent when I was 13, and I did a couple of TV commercials when I was a kid.

Favorite hobby or pastime?

I have 2-year-old and 4-year-old daughters so my hobbies these days usually entail doing a fun activity with them.

Favorite song?

My older daughter’s favorite Taylor Swift song is “Message in a Bottle,” and I’m on board with that.