Industry Practice Leader

About This Role

This Industry Practice Leader will build, lead, and expand a specialized insurance practice focusing on key verticals such as Education, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Social Services. The role involves driving growth, profitability, and market differentiation through strategic leadership in underwriting, product innovation, and client engagement.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a multi-year strategic plan for industry practice aligned with corporate business goals.
• Lead the design and implementation of tactical initiatives to build the practice.
• Monitor emerging trends, regulatory developments, and risk exposures specific to the industry focus areas.
• Act as the "face" of the practice, driving thought leadership and representing the firm at industry events.
• Support the achievement of planned goals (Profit, Growth, rate etc) for the industry portfolio.
• Set underwriting appetite, pricing strategy, and risk selection criteria in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Evaluate performance across key KPIs (loss ratio, retention, growth) and take corrective action.
• Serve as executive sponsor for top-tier broker and client relationships for the industry verticals.
• Support field and distribution teams on major account pursuits and renewals.
• Lead development of industry-specific collateral, pitch strategies, and client engagement tools.
• Collaborate with product, analytics, and technology teams to develop tailored solutions.
• Lead ideation and deployment of new products or enhancements aligned with industry needs.
• Lead development and rollout of training, underwriting guidelines, and marketing strategies.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of underwriters and specialists.
• Drive Industry initiatives across various functions (Loss Control, Claims, Underwriting etc.).

Requirements

• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in the insurance industry
• 5+ years in leadership roles
• Demonstrated success managing an industry-focused underwriting portfolio, practice line, or business unit
• Deep subject matter expertise in at least one key vertical (e.g., Healthcare, Manufacturing etc.) or commercial insurance
• Strong knowledge of commercial P&C insurance products, services, and risk management solutions
• Familiarity with regulatory, legal, and operational trends within the relevant industry
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic business plans, manage P&L, and lead cross-functional initiatives
• Ability to drive cross functional teams to meet business objectives
• Excellent communication and influence skills, including C-suite level engagement and industry presentations
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in matrixed or national organizations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, CPCU, ARM) preferred.
• 10-15+ years of progressive experience in the insurance industry, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.

Certifications