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Insurance Business Review: Specials Magazine
When a hurricane hits Hawaii, the way a home is built and where it stands amongst the island’s topography determine how it withstands the storm. The slope of the land, the materials in a roof and the anchoring beneath a home all help determine how well a home holds up. Even the terrain itself adds complexity. One valley can face torrential rain while another, just a few miles away, stays dry. Winds accelerate as they funnel through mountain passes, shifting force and direction with the landscape and topography. Yet, traditional insurance models treat these variations uniformly. Homes that share a ZIP code are often assumed to share the same risk, when in reality, their exposures vary dramatically. This traditional approach results in distorted pricing. Homeowners end up paying for coverage that doesn’t fit their environment, and insurers take on risks they can’t accurately price. Hawaiian Hurricane Group (HHG)—born in Hawaii and built for Hawaii—set out to replace mainland insurance models with one that understands the islands on their own terms. “We realized the problem wasn’t the absence of data,” says Cody Doucette, co-founder and president. “It was the inability of conventional systems to interpret it correctly for Hawaii’s unique landscape.” HHG’s Feature Underwriting & Rating Approach (FURA) was formulated to replace assumptions with a more on-the-ground understanding. Each home is evaluated based on fundamental physical characteristics—the strength of its materials, the design of its roof, the anchoring of its foundation and how it sits within its terrain. When the model reflects the topography, structure and the way people actually live in Hawaii, the results are more than just accurate pricing. It creates fairer outcomes for both sides. Homeowners get coverage that matches the true nature of their property, and the risk is lowered for coverage gaps that are usually revealed only after a storm. Insurers gain clearer visibility into their risk portfolios, improving stability and predictability across the market. ... Read More
Top Small Business Insurance Service Provider 2025
For over a century, the company has paired technical expertise with genuine empathy, shaping lasting relationships with brokers, business owners, and the broader insurance community. Tracing its origins as a company back to 1901, Hiscox’s legacy rests on a reputation for precision and trust. Under the leadership of Mary Boyd, CEO of Hiscox USA, the company’s evolution has been defined by three simple principles: ease, expertise, and empathy. “We make it as easy as possible to do business with us, with dedicated underwriters and fast quote turnaround,” says Boyd. “We have deep expertise in business insurance, and we see the people behind the policy, not just a policy number.” That philosophy is especially evident in Hiscox’s broker relationships. Brokers remain the cornerstone of its U.S. business, serving as trusted partners who bridge the gap between specialized insurance coverage and the unique needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Hiscox recognizes that while many business owners value digital convenience, most still turn to brokers for guidance. These brokers, in turn, rely on Hiscox’s flexible underwriting and fast responses to serve their clients effectively. The company’s expertise spans a broad array of industries, from allied healthcare and architecture to consulting, entertainment, and technology. Beyond the essentials of professional and general liability, Hiscox offers coverage for cyber and data risks, media liability, management liability, and more. This diversity reflects both the complexity of modern businesses and the insurer’s ability to adapt its solutions to different needs. Its recent acquisition of Corix Insurance Services and Vouch Insurance Company further broadens its reach, allowing Hiscox to expand its appetite for new products, higher limits, and more complex risks. What sets Hiscox apart, however, is not just the breadth of its offerings but the depth of its engagement. ... Read More
Top Risk Management Service 2025
Business leaders often assume their insurance coverage is airtight. Premiums are paid, policies are renewed, and everything appears secure, until a major event reveals just how exposed the company is. Risk Management International (RMI) exists to prevent exactly that kind of surprise. More than a consultant or broker, RMI acts as a strategic extension of its clients’ executive teams. The firm delivers tailored risk management services, including property, liability, auto, employee benefits, and contract risk reviews that help businesses mitigate risk and seize growth opportunities. Its core specialties include risk assessment, prevention, and insurance financing strategies. Led by CEO and senior consultant James W. Barber, whose tenure, as an officer of Warner Communications included overseeing complex, highstakes risk portfolios, RMI applies that same rigor to its clients’ challenges. Barber’s deep industry knowledge and operational acumen drive a hands-on approach that identifies vulnerabilities early and secures lasting protection. Clients rely on the firm for strategic insight, long-term planning, and the ability to manage exposure at every level of the business. Initial engagements with clients begin with a collaborative review. Before discussing quotes, RMI first seeks to understand the client’s business model, structure, and existing coverage. Risk Management with Accountability When clients share their current insurance policies, RMI’s team quickly dissects the fine print, cross-checking coverage details against operational realities. In many cases, it takes only a few hours to uncover gaps, outdated limits, ambiguous language, or overlooked exposures that could jeopardize a claim when it matters most. One recent example involved a small business that expected modest savings. RMI projected a $75,000 improvement after a preliminary review. After a deeper dive, the savings crossed $100,000, driven by coverage gaps and mispriced terms that had persisted for years. ... Read More
Top SVP of Claims Management 2025
Protecting those who care for others has always been the heart of Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company. Behind every policy and every claim stands a commitment to guide healthcare professionals through their most challenging moments with expertise and empathy. For Kari Adams, Senior Vice President of Claims, that mission defines not just the company’s purpose, but also her own journey of nearly three decades in professional liability. Adams’s journey illustrates how personal conviction and organizational purpose can align to create lasting impact in the professional liability space. She began her career in personal lines at Liberty Mutual before exploring the broader property and casualty field. Her curiosity for intricate problem-solving and her fascination with the intersection of law and medicine soon drew her toward professional liability. After honing her skills in property and casualty at Industrial Indemnity, she transitioned to another national carrier’s medical professional liability (MPL) division. In this role, working closely with physicians and legal experts helped Adams see claims not just as a technical process, but as a human-centered discipline requiring both analysis and empathy. When that carrier’s book of business was acquired by Physicians Insurance in the mid-1990s, Adams returned to her hometown of Seattle for the transition, marking the beginning of what has now been almost three decades of tenure at the mutual company..... Read More
Top Directors of Claims Management - 2025
Kimberly Clifford serves as Director of Claims Management at EMCOR Group, Inc., bringing over 25 years of deep expertise in complex claims handling, litigation strategy and global insurance operations. She began her career as a paralegal, drawn by a passion for justice, before transitioning into claims adjusting, earning her license and building experience from the ground up. Rising through the ranks, she ultimately managed high-value policy limit claims and led teams at a national insurer. A desire for broader impact led her to BIC, where she gained critical exposure to international claims practices. After BIC, she began her role with EMCOR, a Fortune 300 company generating over $15 billion in revenue. In her current role, she combines strategic thinking with a people-first mindset to drive claims excellence. Recognizing Kimberly Clifford’s role in advancing global claims leadership, this exclusive feature explores her commitment to operational integrity and forward-looking risk management. Evolving Dynamics in Claims When I think about claims handling, it’s of course rooted in data, you need information to understand the facts, assess liability and make informed decisions. But it’s just as much about people and process. As a director, I focus on cultivating a culture grounded in transparency, empathy and open communication. These values are essential. Success in claims management depends not just on following data or process, but on balancing both with the human element that gives claims meaning. Moving a claim forward requires structure, but also compassion. It’s a delicate balance, prioritizing performance without losing sight of the people affected by each decision. ... Read More
Charles is a seasoned insurance professional whose journey into the industry began unexpectedly during the 2009 financial crisis. After earning his degree in economics, limited opportunities in traditional finance led him to a role in claims at Travelers. What started as a chance opportunity has grown into a rewarding 16-year career defined by strong relationships, cross-functional leadership and a commitment to continuous growth. From Economics to a Career in Insurance My Travelers experience spans multiple disciplines, progressing from Claim Professional to Unit Manager roles in both Auto and Workers Compensation lines. Currently, I serve as a Director in Auto Claims, overseeing a talented team of Unit Managers and Claim Professionals who handle first and third-party injury claims throughout the New England Region. During my professional journey, I've pursued comprehensive industry knowledge through multiple professional designations: Associate in Claims, Associate in Risk Management, Associate in Insurance Data Analytics and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter. This holistic understanding enables me to lead with greater context and guide my teams through complex challenges with informed strategies. ... Read More
Erin Pfeiffer, Director of Claims at The Baldwin Group Construction Practice, combines deep industry knowledge with a people-first approach to client advocacy. Growing up around her father’s insurance career, she entered the field in college and began as a workers’ compensation adjuster. After transitioning to the brokerage side in 2000, she has managed claims across various industries, including banking and construction. Since joining The Baldwin Group Construction Practice in 2014, she has helped develop effective construction claims strategies, enhance best practices and implemented training and development for her expanded claims team. For her, the work is as much about people and partnerships as it is about creating efficient processes and helping clients face challenges with confidence. Through this article, Pfeiffer emphasizes the importance of balancing efficiency with advocacy, utilizing technology and data to inform decisions, addressing legal abuse while supporting legitimate claimants and prioritizing human judgment, empathy and strong relationships to achieve fair, compliant and trusted claims outcomes. ... Read More
Jim Sorrells draws on decades of experience in executive claims leadership and consulting to help carriers navigate a rapidly shifting landscape. Known for pairing strategic discipline with curiosity about what’s next, Jim guides organizations through responsible AI adoption and the operational changes required to use advanced analytics effectively. His approach strengthens decision-making, helping claims teams to move confidently from possibility to measurable outcomes. Recognizing Jim’s leadership in reshaping claims management through responsible AI adoption and forward-looking operational design, this article examines how his vision and data-driven approach are preparing organizations to navigate rapid technological change with clarity and confidence. At A Glance: ✔ Leadership Begins with Clarity – This section outlines how disciplined leadership, informed perspective and grounded engagement shape substantial strategic alignment in claims. ✔ AI Requires Structure, Not Assumptions – It explores why responsible AI adoption depends on accuracy and analytics that strengthen decision-making. ... Read More
CXO INSIGHTS
Insurance Professionals are the Most Dynamic
Michele Adams, VP, Corporate Functions Finance & EDLC, Walmart [NYSE: WMT]
Risk Mitigation with Consistent Data Management
Roy Hock, MBA, ARM, Director of Risk Finance and Casualty Insurance, Valero Energy Corporation
Futureproofing Claims Careers: Adapting to AI in Insurance
Cade Williams, Assistant Vice President, Risk Management-Claims, Marriott Vacations Worldwide[NYSE: VAC]
From Liability to Opportunity: Transforming Risk Management in Hospitality
Jennifer Pack, Vice President of Risk Management, Hyatt Hotels Corporation[NYSE: H]
What Is Effective Financial Risk Management?
Gilbert Asamoah, Credit Risk Manager, NiSource Inc.[NYSE: NI]; Doctoral Candidate, Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio
IN FOCUS
Insurance as Resilience Architecture for SMEs
SMEs are shifting from generic Business Owner Policies to tailored insurance solutions to address modern risks such as social inflation, cyber threats, and business interruptions, thereby improving resilience.
Reinventing Insurance Products and Services for the Phygital Economy
The insurance industry is evolving from compartmentalized coverage to hybrid products that integrate traditional and emerging risks, addressing the complexities of modern value creation and environmental challenges.
EDITORIAL
Modernizing Insurance for Real-World Demands
The insurance sector is steadily moving away from one-size-fits-all models as consumers demand products that respond to the volatility shaping modern life. Carriers are advancing beyond traditional underwriting to build offerings informed by real-time behavior, shifting economic conditions and a clearer understanding of emergent risks.
Within the small-business space, service providers are modernizing how owners access and manage coverage. Digital interfaces paired with automated advisory features are reshaping how small businesses engage with insurers, creating a more intuitive way to stay informed and manage essential policy requirements.
Across the broader risk-management landscape, technology is enabling a more proactive posture. Predictive modeling driven by AI-infused risk engines is helping insurers, advisors and business operators coordinate responses with less friction. As these platforms advance, the boundaries between product design, small-business support and risk oversight are becoming more fluid, forming a structure that better reflects real-world operating demands.
This edition of Insurance Business Review underscores the accelerating shift toward technology-driven models and the influence this transition is having on decisions across the sector.
It features thought leadership articles from industry professionals, including Penny Sturdevant, Director of Claims at STG Logistics and Clint Roszelle, Senior Director Enterprise Business Agility at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation[NYSE: CIA] They outline how today’s evolving risk environment is pushing carriers to strengthen responsiveness across the insurance lifecycle.
We hope this edition offers clarity on the shifts underway and encourages meaningful dialogue on how insurance stakeholders can move forward with confidence.
