20 June 2014News

ACE invests in future generations with talent hire

ACE Group has announced the appointment of Richard Bennett as senior vice president and executive dean of ACE’s Early Career Development Program.

In this new role, Bennett will have global responsibility for developing and delivering a world-class educational experience for the company’s early career underwriters and support-unit professionals.

He will focus on increasing the rigor and depth of the technical components of ACE’s development programs as well as establishing effective career management processes within those programs.

Whilst working collaboratively with ACE’s US and international human resources and talent management teams, Bennett will be based in New York and will report to John Lupica, vice chairman of ACE Group and chairman of insurance for North America.

“The creation of this role, and Richard’s appointment to it, reflect the growing importance of our Early Career Development Program to ACE’s overall businesses and talent development strategy.” says Lupica.

“ACE’s integrated talent management and development programs are designed to ensure that underwriters and support staff develop the knowledge and expertise required to provide the company’s customers with industry-leading products and services. I’m confident that Richard, with his track record of achievement and unique combination of experience in both the academic and insurance arenas, will instil the fundamental principles of insurance underwriting and management into all of ACE’s early career staff.”

With more than 35 years of educational and industry experience, Bennett joins ACE from St. John’s University’s School of Risk Management, insurance and actuarial science, where he most recently served as assistant professor and held the Met Life Teaching Chair in risk management.

He spent 27 years helping to build the university’s reputation as one of the world’s most respected risk and insurance education institutions.

Earlier in his career, Bennett held management positions in underwriting and claims for several global carriers. He has additionally conducted risk management seminars for many industry professionals in the US, Asia and Europe.

“I’m pleased to welcome Richard to this key role as it reflects ACE’s ongoing commitment to investing in our people and the development of talent in our organization. The programs that Richard will shape are essential to training and developing the next generation of leaders at ACE.” says John Keogh, vice chairman & chief operating officer, ACE Limited / ACE Group, and chairman, Insurance - Overseas General.