Managing Director, Central Region Employee at The Hartford

Christian S.

Managing Director, Central Region

Christian is responsible for the performance of construction surety bond book of business in the central region, including leading and developing a team of underwriters. His hybrid work arrangement allows him to work 2-3 days in office and from his home in the Dallas area.

“I really feel as though the people I work with genuinely care about me and my career and are willing to help me succeed any way they can.”
- Christian

What attracted you to work at your company? How did you know it would be a good fit?: I knew someone who was working at The Hartford and, when I was looking for a career change, he recommended the company. I had been the head golf professional at a private country club for 12 years, and although I didn’t have a background in insurance, my experience in providing a high level of service in golf translated well to providing service to external partners as an insurance bond underwriter. The Hartford recognized my diverse perspective from a different industry and “took a chance” on me.
What are you responsible for in your current role?: I am part of The Hartford Global Specialty Bond team. I am responsible for the construction surety bond book of business in the central part of the country, and lead a team of underwriting managers and regional bond managers that support the territory. Together, we drive growth and performance of the accounts in this area. In addition to profitable business growth, one of my top priorities is supporting the growth and development of our team of very talented underwriters.
What are you working on right now that excites or inspires you?: I have a passion for teaching and developing others. Over the past year, I have been on the project team responsible for the development of Global Specialty’s Emerging Underwriter Program which provides a robust learning experience for summer interns and full-time trainees. The summer program provides a way to introduce a pipeline of diverse talent to our business groups and gives interns hands-on experience shadowing underwriters across the Global Specialty lines, a view into our business and culture. The program also provides us with an opportunity to bring back some of the participants as full-time trainees. The full-time program provides extensive training in one of our specialty lines. It also exposes the trainees to other lines of business and leaders outside their specialty. It’s rewarding to see young leaders grow from the Emerging Underwriter program.
What do you value most about your company’s or team’s culture? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?: I can’t say enough good things about our culture. Every member of my team is willing to help if someone raises a hand. Our leadership is always willing to listen to good ideas and ways of improving, which certainly makes each person feel like they have a voice and fosters an inclusive environment. Most importantly, I really feel as though the people I work with genuinely care about me and my career and are willing to help me succeed any way they can.
What’s one thing you would want a candidate to know about what it’s like to work at your company?: Learn about the business unit you are applying for and the products and services it sells. Each business is unique and it’s impressive when an interviewee knows a bit about what we do. It’s also important to be yourself and let your personality shine through. In Global Specialty Bond, we have a lot of interactions with our brokers and clients so strong interpersonal skills can be the difference between hiring one candidate over another.
Tell us about an innovation at The Hartford that was especially exciting and why. How does The Hartford help employees innovate?: Several of our new and exciting innovations came from a new council that was formed a few years ago called the Innovation Council. The purpose of the council is to accept submissions/suggestions from employees on ways to improve the business. So far to date, we have had 55 submissions and 12 have been implemented! I was recently involved in one of the suggestions which was the formation of an Agency Advisory Board made up of senior leaders and brokers from all over the country where they have an opportunity to share how we can improve the business.

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