Role Overview for SVP, Risk Management with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized insurance leader in their search for a Senior Vice President (SVP) of Risk Management. This pivotal executive position is based in the historic heart of the American insurance industry, Hartford, Connecticut. Our client is a multi-billion dollar enterprise with a diverse portfolio of products and a reputation for financial strength, innovation, and unwavering integrity. They are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to steer their enterprise-wide risk management function, safeguarding the company’s assets and enabling sustainable, long-term growth.
As the SVP, Risk Management, you will be a crucial member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO). You will be entrusted with the immense responsibility of overseeing and enhancing the company’s comprehensive risk management framework. This is not merely a compliance role; it is a strategic function that directly influences business decisions, capital allocation, and the overall strategic direction of the organization. You will be the central figure in cultivating a sophisticated, proactive, and embedded risk culture that permeates every level of the company, from the front-line underwriters to the Board of Directors.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of the global insurance landscape. You will be tasked with navigating an ever-evolving environment characterized by stringent regulatory demands, emerging digital and climatic threats, and dynamic market conditions. Your leadership will ensure the organization not only mitigates potential threats but also strategically leverages risk to identify and capitalize on new opportunities. This role requires a unique blend of quantitative acumen, strategic foresight, exceptional communication skills, and the executive presence to influence and guide the most senior stakeholders in the company.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Risk Management with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
The SVP, Risk Management will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are comprehensive and critical to the organization’s success:
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework Leadership
You will own the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s comprehensive enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks. This involves ensuring robust processes are in place for risk identification, assessment, measurement, mitigation, monitoring, and reporting across all business units and functions. You will champion the framework’s adoption and ensure it is a living, breathing component of the company’s operational DNA.
Risk Appetite and Strategy Alignment
In close collaboration with the CRO, CEO, and the Board’s Risk Committee, you will define, articulate, and annually review the company’s risk appetite statement and tolerance limits. A critical part of your role will be ensuring that all strategic initiatives, business plans, and capital allocation decisions are rigorously tested against and aligned with this established risk appetite.
Regulatory Compliance and Governance
Serve as a key liaison with state, federal, and international regulatory bodies, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and state insurance departments. You will oversee the preparation and submission of all regulatory risk reporting, including the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA), and ensure the company remains in full compliance with all applicable laws and standards, such as Solvency II principles.
Advanced Risk Modeling and Analytics
Lead the quantitative teams responsible for sophisticated risk modeling and analytics. This includes overseeing economic capital modeling, stress and scenario testing, and other advanced analytical techniques to quantify the company’s exposure to a wide range of financial and non-financial risks. You will translate complex model outputs into actionable business intelligence for senior leadership.
Financial Risk Oversight
Provide senior oversight for the management of all financial risks. This encompasses market risk (interest rate, equity, currency), credit risk (counterparty exposure, investment portfolio), and liquidity risk. You will work closely with the Chief Investment Officer and Treasurer to ensure financial risk exposures are managed within approved limits.
Operational and Strategic Risk Management
Develop and embed a robust framework for managing operational risks, including those related to technology, cybersecurity, data privacy, third-party vendors, business continuity, and legal/compliance. You will also facilitate the identification and assessment of strategic risks that could impact the company’s long-term objectives and competitive position.
Leadership, Mentorship, and Team Development
Lead a large, multi-disciplinary team of risk management professionals. You will be responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier talent. Your leadership will foster a culture of collaboration, critical thinking, continuous improvement, and proactive risk management throughout the organization.
Executive and Board Reporting
You will be responsible for the creation and delivery of clear, concise, and insightful risk reporting for the CRO, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board of Directors. Your presentations must effectively communicate the company’s overall risk profile, highlight key risk exposures, and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
Requirements for the SVP, Risk Management with a Global Insurer – Hartford, CT
This is a senior executive role requiring a deep and extensive background in risk management. Qualified candidates must meet the following criteria:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, actuarial science, or a related field within the insurance or financial services industry. At least 7-10 years of this experience must be in a senior leadership role with significant team management and strategic responsibilities. Experience within a large, complex, global insurance organization is essential.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, or a related field is required. An advanced degree (MBA, MS in Finance, etc.) is strongly preferred.
Professional Designations
Relevant professional certifications are highly desirable and demonstrate a commitment to the field. These include Financial Risk Manager (FRM), Professional Risk Manager (PRM), Chartered Enterprise Risk Analyst (CERA), or Fellow of the Society of Actuaries/Casualty Actuarial Society (FSA/FCAS).
Technical Expertise
Deep, demonstrable subject matter expertise across all facets of insurance risk. This includes a mastery of ERM frameworks, regulatory requirements (ORSA, Solvency II), advanced capital modeling techniques, and a comprehensive understanding of underwriting, market, credit, and operational risk disciplines.
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive, first-hand experience interacting with insurance regulators. Must possess a strong understanding of the U.S. regulatory system and familiarity with international regulatory regimes.
Proven Leadership Skills
A track record of successfully leading, mentoring, and inspiring large, high-performing teams. Must demonstrate exceptional executive presence, gravitas, and the ability to build consensus and influence outcomes at the highest levels of a global organization.
Communication and Influence
World-class communication and presentation skills are non-negotiable. The successful candidate must be able to distill highly complex, technical risk concepts into clear, compelling narratives for a diverse range of audiences, from quantitative analysts to board members.
Strategic and Commercial Mindset
The ability to think strategically and commercially, moving beyond pure risk mitigation to understand how a strong risk function can be a competitive advantage. Must be able to balance risk control with the need to support business growth and innovation.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client provides an executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best leadership talent in the industry. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with equity components.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family with low employee contributions. The package also includes robust mental health support, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and corporate wellness initiatives.
Retirement & Financial Security
A leading 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match and profit-sharing components. Access to executive financial planning and advisory services.
Work-Life Balance
A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, personal days, and company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
A substantial annual budget for professional development, including attendance at premier industry conferences, executive education programs at top universities, and support for professional certifications.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Greater Hartford area.
Executive Perks
Additional benefits may include a car allowance, club memberships, and other perquisites commensurate with a senior executive position.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to conduct this critical executive search on behalf of our client. We are seeking a transformative risk leader who is prepared to make a lasting impact on a global insurance powerhouse. If your experience and aspirations align with the demands of this exceptional opportunity, we invite you to begin a confidential discussion with us.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications for this role. For more information about our deep expertise and successful placements in this specialized sector, we invite you to visit our insurance and risk management recruitment experts page. JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. We look forward to reviewing your credentials.
