SAMANTHA BILLY | Age: 31 U.S. growth broking leader, Aon cyber solutions brokerage practice

Aon PLC

New York

Samantha Billy was promoted in May to a national role after serving as greater New York team leader for Aon’s cyber solutions brokerage practice. She started with Aon in 2013 as a broker and moved to the cyber and professional risk team the following year. After a stint in London in 2017, she returned to New York in 2018.

 

What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?

The way we communicate, internally and externally. Where now we use Webex, previously we would just call people and send emails. It’s more important than ever to stay connected with everybody. It’s been a really great lesson to learn.

 

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

The quantification around our space and getting data and the transparency of data on both sides to help clients understand where the risks and the losses are coming from, and for the underwriters and reinsurers so they can underwrite the risks. There’s been a lot of volatility because it’s such an emerging coverage field, so it’s very important for both sides to provide data and be transparent.

 

What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?

It’s important to build a culture where people enjoy working, that fosters people and makes them want to join. What attracted me to Aon when I had several opportunities out of school was the people I was working with.

 

Favorite hobby or pastime?

I love to travel. I love to experience new places and cultures and people. Diversity of thought is important. That’s one of the reasons I moved to London for a bit.

 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I wanted to be in business. My mom was in business, and I really looked up to her.