EVP, Head of Energy, Underwriting, Specialties

Zurich Specialties is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Head of Energy. This position reports to the Global Head of Energy and Marine. The preferred locations are our Houston or New York offices. Business travel will be required.

The EVP, Head of Energy is responsible for delivering underwriting results across the following portfolios: Energy Casualty, Energy Property, and Marine.

In this pivotal role, you will shape both the technical and strategic direction of the Energy and Marine portfolios. Your leadership will be key to ensuring strong profitability and long-term growth. We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in the Energy sector, a proven ability to build influential business relationships, and a strong track record in strategic underwriting oversight and portfolio management. Exceptional communication skills and a talent for fostering client partnerships are essential.

Responsibilities Include:

• Establishing key performance targets and financial budgets for underwriting unit in order to optimize business performance in line with set objectives.
• Interpret and review the commercial drivers in the market and the organization´s strategic goals, translate into objectives to develop cross-functional business cases for complex projects and programs and act as program sponsor to ensure effective delivery of projects.
• Develop and maintain relationships in support of business retention, new business and determine their insurance-related needs and provide solutions.
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders in order to identify opportunities for service improvement to ensure commercial viability and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in leadership team meetings to provide specialist guidance and enable the implementation of policies, projects and change initiatives to produce profitable results.
• Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books of business and profit/growth results and trends.
• Develop a people management plan to drive performance management in the organization and to optimize performance within the team, and manage performance of team members, including ensuring team members comply with company policies and expectations and take appropriate action.
• Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 15 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area within the Commercial Insurance Industry
  AND
• 5 or more years of experience in leadership roles
• Business unit management experience
• Energy Underwriting experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading a complex business unit with P&L responsibility and a strong record of growing and retaining a substantial book of business
• Deep knowledge of Energy lines of business, industry, and marketplace
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution
• Strong broker relationships, with excellent skills in relationship-building, listening, and negotiating
• Executive presence and confidence in engaging with the C-suite
• Visionary leadership, driving innovation and creative problem-solving across the organization

At Zurich, compensation for roles is influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. In compliance with local laws, Zurich commits to providing a fair and reasonable compensation range for each role. For more information about our Total Rewards, please click here. Additional rewards may encompass short-term incentive bonuses and merit increases. We encourage candidates with salary expectations beyond the provided range to apply as they will be considered based on their experience, skills, and education.

The compensation indicated represents a nationwide market range and has not been adjusted for geographic differentials pertaining to the location where the position may be filled. The proposed salary range for this position is $253,200-$443,100, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 70%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Houston, AM - New York
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-BK1 #LI-EXECUTIVE