CODY GRIFFIN | Age: 35 Vice president and head of international casualty

Zurich North America

Schaumburg, Illinois

Cody Griffin originally planned to use his finance degree from the University of Northern Colorado to become a stock trader, but graduating in 2008 amid the Great Recession prompted him to change plans. After landing an insurance internship at Liberty Mutual Holding Co. Inc., he knew he’d found his career.

Mr. Griffin spent seven years with American International Group Inc. before joining Zurich North America in January 2020.

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

One thing that surprised me was the number of submissions that came out to market in 2020. A lot was driven by uncertainty over COVID. You really need to partner with a carrier you can trust. Some of our longest-term clients we never saw go to market because we were open about our communication. It also allowed us to write a lot of new accounts.

How will your work change going forward?

2020 really showed us that working remotely can work. But insurance remains a relationship business, and it’s really hard and challenging to continue with those relationships when you can only talk over the phone.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I’m an introvert. No one believes me, but I swear to you I am. One of the leading functions of my job is to be market-facing and to continually meet new people. I’m exhausted at the end of the day because I really do have to push myself to get out there.

All-time favorite movie?

I like anything 1920s gangster-related, and I’m also a big fan of westerns. Anytime “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” comes on, I’ll sit through the entire thing. I enjoy the nostalgia.

What is your favorite meal?

I like anything that is related to Mexican food. I love spiciness, I love cheesiness.