FORTY Under 40: Daniel Cortes
Daniel Cortes, client services manager, Sedgwick.
Cortes serves clients across the Philadelphia metropolitan area. With more than a decade of experience in claims management and operational efficiency, he is known for his proactive problem solving, clear communication and unwavering commitment to supporting colleagues and clients alike. He lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife, son, and three dogs.
He joined Sedgwick in 2014 as a workers’ compensation examiner, earning two MVP awards for outstanding performance before moving into leadership roles as a team lead and subject matter expert in EDI and jurisdictional compliance.
Since entering the captive insurance space in early 2024, he has delivered immediate value by supporting multiple captive programmes and more than 220 member companies. His clear, actionable insights have strengthened decision-making and improved operational efficiency across his portfolios.
Cortes played a key role in creating a centralized resource centre that simplifies access to Sedgwick products, reducing delays and elevating the member self-service experience. He also championed the automation of several service deliveries, eliminating manual workflows and saving more than 1,000 hours of productivity across the organisation. In addition, he provides analytical overviews that help captive members better understand exposures, recognise strong outcomes and identify future opportunities for growth and improvement.
Beyond his core responsibilities, Cortes earned his master’s degree in organisational management in 2024 and serves as professional development co-chair for Sedgwick’s Hispanic and Latinx colleague resource group. In this role, he supports emerging professionals, contributes to career panels and promotes continuous learning.
Cortes is recognised for his collaborative leadership, client-focused mindset and ability to turn recurring challenges into scalable, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen the captive insurance experience.
Looking back at your journey over the past year, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how has becoming a FORTY Under 40 finalist influenced your perspective on that achievement?
This year, I’m most proud of representing Sedgwick at board meetings and risk control workshops, where I’ve built strong client relationships and delivered tailored solutions that made a meaningful impact. Being named a FORTY Under 40 finalist amplified that pride and reminded me that meaningful client work doesn’t just drive results, it helps shape the leader I’m becoming.
What key challenge did you face in your work this year? How did you overcome it and what did it teach you about leadership at this stage of your career?
One of the biggest challenges was delivering data and insights that truly influenced captive board discussions. By anticipating trends, preparing for difficult questions and translating complex information into clear, actionable recommendations, I strengthened my ability to lead with confidence, clarity, and adaptability.
I introduced blended clinical intake, large exposure claims roundtables and quarterly insured onboarding and recap sessions to enhance the client experience.
In what ways have you tried to push innovation or rethink traditional approaches within your sector, and what impact has that had on your team or organisation?
Innovation has also been a major focus for me and for Sedgwick. I introduced blended clinical intake, large exposure claims roundtables and quarterly insured onboarding and recap sessions to enhance the client experience. These initiatives educate and empower clients while ensuring we manage complex claims creatively and effectively, ultimately strengthening the impact of our captive programme.
How do you see your role evolving over the next three to five years, and what initiatives are you most excited to pursue as you continue to grow professionally?
Looking ahead, I see my role evolving as I lean further into data-driven strategy, accountability, and elevated service within the growing captives space. My goal is to move into a client service director role, where I can contribute at a higher strategic level while mentoring young professionals. For me, growth isn’t just about advancing my own career, it’s about helping strengthen the industry and lifting others along the way.
Many of the FORTY Under 40 winners are recognised for both business success and broader impact – how do you balance professional excellence with contributions to your community or industry landscape?
As co-chair of professional development for Sedgwick’s Hispanic and Latinx colleague resource group, I give back to others by telling my story in career panels and supporting colleagues with leadership development. Outside work, I enjoy giving back through hands-on carpentry projects for family and those in need, staying grounded while making a meaningful difference.
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