Executive vice president and Midwest zone executive
ZURICH NORTH AMERICA
Although Sabrina Hart names technology advancements and consolidation as some of the biggest changes she’s witnessed in her 35 years in insurance, the change she’s been most pleased to see has been the progress on gender diversity. “This ties into the industry’s future,” she says, adding that it’s time for insurance to build a brand that attracts all people. “Diversity fuels innovation, and we must look more like the individuals, businesses and communities we serve.”
Hart has been with Zurich since 1997; her previous roles include chief underwriting officer and COO for Zurich Global Corporate in North America, head of risk operations at Zurich Financial Services in Switzerland, and chief underwriting officer for specialty products. Hart notes that when people leave industries or companies, it’s typically due to a perceived lack of opportunity, and she counts herself fortunate that this hasn’t been the case at Zurich, where the “global reach and breadth of products and services provide endless opportunities to develop, grow and have impact.”
Outside of Zurich, Hart serves on the board of governors for the Maguire Academy of Insurance and Risk Management at St. Joseph’s University, as well as the board of visitors at the University of North Carolina and the advisory board of the Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University. She also sits on the board of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and chairs the board of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s Midwest division.
“Be curious, be a lifelong learner, be engaged,” Hart advises other insurance professionals. “Build relationships, be a thought leader, be a change agent. Balance technical skills and interpersonal skills, and be your authentic self.”
