Alexandra Littlejohn | Age: 55 Executive vice president, managing director, specialty broking

Alliant Insurance Services Inc.

San Francisco

Alexandra Littlejohn says she “leaves no stone unturned” when it comes to helping her clients.

“I would like to believe that when they come and work with me that I can be relied upon,” said Ms. Littlejohn, executive vice president, managing director, specialty broking for Alliant Insurance Services Inc. in San Francisco.

The San Francisco native was, in effect, born into the insurance industry. Her mother was an underwriter for what is now Chubb Ltd. for many years, while her father owned an insurance agency that was sold to a larger broker. “So, I guess I was destined to be in insurance. Someone had to do it,” she said, laughing.

Ms. Littlejohn’s career has included working 23 years at Marsh LLC. She spent time in Switzerland and 20 years in New York before returning to San Francisco.

In addition to working with her clients, Ms. Littlejohn’s interests include helping the insurance industry become more racially diverse and encouraging women in their careers in the sector.

“I need to make sure I’ve done all I can before I retire in improving this industry” in terms of recruiting, training and helping women and minorities advance, she said.

“I didn’t have the benefit of a college education, and I feel the industry can excel” in providing a place for employees in the same situation “who are smart and have a go-getter attitude,” she said. “This is an industry that’s welcoming of that.”

“Alex Littlejohn is a wonderful person and an amazing insurance leader,” said Tracey Ant, senior vice president, head of field operations and general industries for the middle and large commercial division, at Hartford Insurance Co., who worked for Ms. Littlejohn when both were at Marsh.

She is “a dynamic leader and an innovative thinker,” with the ability to put together a diverse and inclusive team and demonstrate “a fearless style of leadership,” Ms. Ant said.