2023 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA
Hannah Witzel Senior vice president, operations manager
FM Global
Frankfurt
Hannah Witzel joined FM Global directly out of high school in Germany as part of a three-year dual study program at the Cooperative State University of Mannheim.
The program was similar to an apprenticeship and allowed her to study for a college degree and gain work experience in different areas of the company while earning a salary. “I was the first guinea pig. FM had never employed a student before and they wanted to test it,” she said.
During high school, Ms. Witzel had spent a year as an exchange student in the U.S. and became fluent in English. She wanted a job where she could speak English and FM Global was one of the few U.S. insurers in Germany at that time.
After college she took a full-time role in FM Global’s claims department. Adjusting industrial claims like construction collapses and machinery burnout involved a lot of engineering.
“That really sparked my interest, and I wanted to know more,” said Ms. Witzel, who earned an engineering degree while continuing to work full time.
In 2015, after five years in claims, she moved into underwriting. Being brave enough to take that step is one of the highlights of her career, she said. Just nine months later, she became an account manager and three years later was promoted to her first management role as assistant client services manager.
“I’m very ambitious but it also comes with a bit of luck in terms of timing and other people moving around and positions opening up,” Ms. Witzel said. She continued to rise through the ranks while having two children and became operations manager in April of this year.
Ms. Witzel is extremely organized, practical and good at finding solutions, said Anja Dibbern, head of finance-insurance for Düsseldorf International Airport, who first met her when she became an account manager. As a leader, Ms. Witzel also has the human touch, Ms. Dibbern said.
Seeing others enjoy what they do inspires her, Ms. Witzel said. “It really motivates me when I see people feeling joy for their achievements,” she said.
Claire Wilkinson
