The Senior Vice President (SVP), Inland Marine – Specialty Lines is a key executive responsible for the strategic direction, underwriting performance, product innovation, and profitable growth of the organization’s Inland Marine portfolio. This leader will oversee a diverse book of specialty risks and play a pivotal role in shaping market positioning, risk appetite, and distribution strategy.
The SVP will partner closely with underwriting, actuarial, claims, reinsurance, and distribution teams to drive sustainable underwriting results and deliver best-in-class service to brokers, agents, and clients.
- Define and execute the long-term strategy for Inland Marine within the Specialty Lines segment
- Establish underwriting appetite, portfolio mix, and growth targets aligned with enterprise objectives
- Serve as a key member of the Specialty Lines leadership team, influencing cross-functional initiatives and corporate strategy
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of underwriting leaders and specialists
- Own underwriting profitability, portfolio performance, and risk selection across Inland Marine products
- Set and enforce underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and referral practices
- Monitor key performance indicators (loss ratio, combined ratio, rate adequacy, growth, retention) and implement corrective actions
- Ensure disciplined underwriting while enabling innovation in complex or emerging risks
- Drive product innovation across Inland Marine segments (e.g., contractor’s equipment, builder’s risk, cargo, fine arts, installation floaters)
- Identify emerging risks and market opportunities (e.g., climate-related exposures, supply chain disruptions, renewable technologies)
- Partner with actuarial to ensure pricing sophistication and competitive positioning
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, agents, and distribution partners
- Establish go-to-market strategies that enhance visibility and differentiate offerings
- Represent the organization in the marketplace, including industry forums and client engagements
- Collaborate with risk, compliance, and reinsurance teams to optimize capital deployment and risk transfer strategies
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance frameworks
- Oversee exposure management, catastrophe aggregation, and accumulation controls
- Deliver profitable growth consistent with financial plans and risk tolerances
- Manage budget, expense discipline, and resource allocation for the Inland Marine business
- Contribute to forecasting, planning, and reporting cycles
- 15+ years of commercial property & casualty insurance experience, with deep specialization in Inland Marine or Specialty Lines
- Demonstrated success leading large underwriting teams and managing complex portfolios
- Strong understanding of Inland Marine classes, coverage forms, and risk characteristics
- Proven track record of driving profitable growth and achieving underwriting discipline
- Experience within a national or global insurer, MGA, or specialty carrier
- Advanced knowledge of construction, transportation, and/or specialty equipment risks
- Familiarity with delegated authority arrangements and alternative distribution models
- MBA or advanced insurance designations (e.g., CPCU, ARM)
Skills Required
- 15+ years of experience in Specialty Insurance Underwriting
- 5+ years of experience in business and people management
- Master's degree in Finance, Accounting or Business and/or commensurate work experience
Westfield Insurance Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Westfield Insurance and has not been reviewed or approved by Westfield Insurance.
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Retirement Support — A defined-benefit pension alongside a 401(k) with employer contributions is presented as a standout component and an uncommon combination today. Safe-harbor style 401(k) contributions are referenced, adding reliable long-term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — The package includes PTO, paid holidays, sick time, volunteer time off, and parental/caregiver leave. PTO levels are described as ample with increases over tenure and dedicated volunteer time.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellness incentives and fitness reimbursement are available, with on-site amenities like a fitness center and cafeteria at the home office. Learning resources and recognition programs further support overall wellbeing.
Westfield Insurance Insights
What We Do
Founded in 1848, Westfield is a global leader in property and casualty insurance, delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions to customers through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. Westfield underwrites commercial, personal, surety, and specialty lines of coverage through a network of leading independent agents and brokers in the United States and specialty products through Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200. As a mutual insurance company with more than 3,000 employees, Westfield has revenues in excess of $4 billion and more than $10 billion in assets.
