Alumni industry experts from Aon Benfield, Aspen Re, and XL Catlin will explain the reinsurance industry and discuss career paths on April 3.
With an expectation of 400,000 retirements in the U.S. insurance and reinsurance industry alone...it is critical to find the next generation of talent.
— — John Welch ’87, chief executive of North America Reinsurance at XL Catlin
On Tuesday, April 3 the Dolan School of Business will host a fireside chat with alumni reinsurance experts to explain the industry and discuss potential career paths. Industry experts Brian Boornazian ’82, chairman of Aspen Re, Frank Hand ’86, executive managing director at Aon Benfield, and John Welch ’87, chief executive of North America at XL Catlin, will comprise the panel. Each panel member will share their personal experiences working in the reinsurance industry and address questions from the audience. Mark Ligas, PhD, interim dean of the Dolan School and associate professor of marketing, will moderate the discussion.
“There is a rapidly changing risk landscape for the insurance and reinsurance industry due to such issues as extreme weather, globalization of supply chains, terrorism, cyber attacks, and the sharing economy,” explained panel member John Welch. “At the same time, there are incredible opportunities to develop new products, approaches, and analyses through the use of big data and artificial intelligence to address these risks. With an expectation of 400,000 retirements in the U.S. insurance and reinsurance industry alone over the next few years, it is critical to find the next generation of talent to help society finance and manage these risks.”
The Dean’s Lecture will also explore an industry outlook as well as the variety of risks encountered by the reinsurance market. Attendees will learn from panel members about the greatest risks they’ve taken during their careers.
“We are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity for our alums to engage with the students in this area of financial services,” said Dr. Mark Ligas. “This lecture will provide much-needed exposure for our students to an important and growing industry with possibilities for both internships and careers post-Fairfield."
To attend the Dean’s Lecture on Tuesday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in the Dolan School of Business Dining Room, please register on .
Speaker Panel
Brian Boornazian ’82
Chairman of Aspen Re
Brian was appointed chairman of Aspen Re in 2012 after serving as the company’s performance director, CEO of Aspen Re’s North America business, and the president of Aspen Re America. Prior to joining Aspen Re, Brian worked at XL Reinsurance America where he served as senior vice president, chief property officer, and CMO. He began his career at General Reinsurance Corporation and also held senior positions at NAC Re Corporation, Cologne Re of America, and Guy Carpenter. Brian graduated from Fairfield with a BA in economics.
Frank Hand ’86
Executive Managing Director at Aon Benfield
Frank is an executive managing director at Aon Benfield and is responsible for managing client relationships for several large multi-national insurance companies. He has 32 years experience working in the reinsurance industry and has spent the last 26 years working at Aon Benfield. In addition to managing client relationships, Brian specializes in structuring and placing reinsurance transactions in the financial and professional liability segments including directors and officers liability, medical malpractice, and law firm liability. He graduated from Fairfield with a BS in accounting and received an MBA in finance from Pace University.
John Welch ’87
Chief Executive of North America Reinsurance at XL Catlin
John is chief executive of North America Reinsurance at XL Catlin. He also serves as head of Insurance Programs, America at XL Catlin and is a member of XL Catlin’s global reinsurance leadership team. From 2006 to 2015, John served as president and CEO of XL Reinsurance America. While at the XL Group, he held leadership positions in underwriting, actuarial, finance, and strategic planning. John joined XL Group through a merger with NAC Re Corporation, where he worked as vice president and pricing manager from 1997 to 1999. John graduated from ýƵƹۿ in 1987 with a BS in mathematics.
