2021 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA
Kio Lo Chief financial officer
Tokio Marine HCC Surety Group
Los Angeles
Like so many insurance professionals, Kio Lo didn’t seek out a career in the industry but instead “stumbled” into it and has “accidentally stayed” thanks to strong mentors and opportunities.
In the nine years since Ms. Lo joined Tokio Marine HCC Surety Group, she has propelled herself into one of the company’s top executives and leaders.
Her insurance career started with a recommendation by a former manager and mentor at the accounting firm she had worked for since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2003, which landed her an interview with what was then HCC Surety.?
Ms. Lo said she liked the company right off the bat and started off as a vice president of financial reporting. From there she became controller, and two years ago was named TMHCC Surety’s chief financial officer.?
She credits the company’s other female leaders and mentors for helping her along the way.
“In order to be successful, you need to have good mentors who can guide you through your career,” she said. “There are qualities in the leaders that I saw and admired when I began my career in insurance. I am looking to be one of those leaders as well.”
A mother of three, Ms. Lo said that finding the right balance between work and family can be a challenge, but the strong support she has both at work and home and flexibility are key. As a leader, she makes sure her employees know they don’t have to choose.
Adam Pessin, president and CEO of TMHCC Surety, said he knew Ms. Lo would thrive in the CFO role. She has a “can-do” mindset and excellent attitude that allow her to accomplish things rather than focus on the impediments, he said.?
“What sets her apart is that she’s incredibly bright and thoughtful and has an amazing work ethic,” he said.
Ms. Lo is focused now on continuing to learn what will affect the industry going forward, including technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence.
“That’s going to be the future, and I need to properly prepare my team and organization from a finance perspective,” she said.?
