Shannon Totten is the Executive Vice President and Head of Retail Excess Casualty Insurance, Sompo International, North America.  She joined the Excess Casualty department of Endurance Specialty in 2003, later acquired by Sompo in 2017, as a Vice President and took on increasing responsibilities including Bermuda Business Unit Leader. Prior to joining Endurance, she worked for AIG as an excess casualty underwriter for Starr Excess Insurance Bermuda as well as American Home in New York. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Risk Management and Insurance program where she currently serves as an advisory board member.

 

In today’s episode of the In The Know podcast, Chris Hampshire and Shannon discuss Bermuda and its impact on insurance, Shannon’s volunteer work, and key issues that are impacting the excess space.

 

Key Takeaways

• Shannon highlights the early years of her career path from small-town Georgia to Bermuda.

• “A small town on steroids,” Shannon describes her Bermuda insurance experience.

• Considerations for those who are facing the expat life.

• Life in Bermuda offers a global marketplace with a beach in the backyard.

• Shannon shares what led her to the excess markets field.

• Factors for those who are considering a career in the excess markets sector.

• Key issues that are impacting the excess space.

• The future of exposures and how to approach them in the excess space.

• Shannon’s experiences as a female executive in the insurance industry.

• Addressing the talent gap starts with more creativity in recruiting talent.

• The importance of being actively involved in professional organizations and leadership roles.

• A five-year micro-level look at the excess markets in Bermuda.

• Remote working is an excellent option for those who don’t want to work in the city.

• Shannon’s advice to her early career, technical skills oriented self.