EVP, Head of Energy, Underwriting, Specialties

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Job Title

EVP, Head of Energy, Underwriting, Specialties

Overview

Zurich Specialties is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Head of Energy. This position reports to the Global Head of Energy and Marine. The preferred locations are our Houston or New York offices. Business travel will be required.

The EVP, Head of Energy is responsible for delivering underwriting results across the following portfolios: Energy Casualty, Energy Property, and Marine. In this pivotal role, you will shape both the technical and strategic direction of the Energy and Marine portfolios. Your leadership will be key to ensuring strong profitability and long‑term growth.

We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in the Energy sector, a proven ability to build influential business relationships, and a strong track record in strategic underwriting oversight and portfolio management. Exceptional communication skills and a talent for fostering client partnerships are essential.

Responsibilities

• Establish key performance targets and financial budgets for the underwriting unit to optimize business performance in line with set objectives.
• Interpret and review commercial drivers in the market and the organization’s strategic goals; translate them into objectives, develop cross‑functional business cases for complex projects and programs, and act as program sponsor to ensure effective delivery.
• Develop and maintain relationships to support business retention and new business, identify insurance‑related needs, and provide solutions.
• Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for service improvement, ensuring commercial viability and customer satisfaction.
• Participate in leadership team meetings to provide specialist guidance and enable the implementation of policies, projects, and change initiatives to produce profitable results.
• Recommend and implement action plans after reviewing agency books of business and profit/growth results and trends.
• Develop a people‑management plan to drive performance management, optimize team performance, and ensure compliance with company policies and expectations.
• Contribute to the business strategy to align underwriting strategy with wider business goals.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 15 or more years of experience in the underwriting or market‑facing area within the commercial insurance industry.
• 5 or more years of experience in leadership roles.
• Business unit management experience.
• Energy underwriting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a complex business unit with P&L responsibility and a strong record of growing and retaining a substantial book of business.
• Deep knowledge of energy lines of business, industry, and marketplace.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and execution.
• Strong broker relationships with excellent skills in relationship‑building, listening, and negotiating.
• Executive presence and confidence in engaging with the C‑suite.
• Visionary leadership, driving innovation and creative problem‑solving across the organization.

Compensation

We offer a nationwide market range of $253,200–$443,100 with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility of 70%. Additional rewards may include short‑term incentive bonuses and merit increases. Compensation is influenced by location, role, skill set, and level of experience.

Benefits

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families.

Why Zurich?

At Zurich we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

EEO Statement

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer, disability/vets.

Location & Working Arrangements

Locations: Houston, New York. Remote working: Hybrid. Schedule: Full Time. Employment sponsorship: No.

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