Recognition reflects a commitment to tomorrow’s captive leaders
Only by developing tomorrow's captive professionals can the long-term strength of captive insurance be secured, as Hylant’s Anne Marie Towle (pictured) explains.
One of the traits of the most effective business leaders is making sure their eventual replacements (and the following generation) will be equipped and ready to step up and succeed.
We believe that’s critical for the captive insurance industry. As we watch many of the experienced professionals who helped captives thrive approach retirement – and as the organisations we serve navigate increasingly complex risks – developing the next generation of leaders has become one of the most urgent and important challenges.
It’s not just a matter of filling positions. We need to attract talented people to our industry and give them meaningful opportunities to grow. In particular, we have to help emerging professionals develop the skills, relationships and experience necessary to guide organisations through our evolving risk landscape.
Our team believes this responsibility extends beyond our own doors. We view responding to the challenge as a serious investment in the future of the captive industry itself. And we’re proud to see our commitment to the future of captives reflected in this year's Captive Review awards USA.
Hylant was recognised as Highly Commended in both the Captive consultant firm and Next-Gen initiative categories. In addition, Caroline Erdman received the Emerging talent award, while I was honored to be named Highly Commended in the Inspiring women in captive insurance category.
We believe these recognitions represent something larger than individual achievements. They reflect years of intentional investment in people and the belief that the long-term strength of our industry depends on developing tomorrow’s captive professionals today. After all, many of those who helped build today’s captive marketplace will retire during the coming decade. A significant generational transition is under way throughout insurance and risk management.
“Young professionals’ eagerness and enthusiasm benefit our entire team by challenging assumptions and improving existing processes.”
Today’s captive professionals must have an understanding that goes well beyond insurance placement or alternative risk financing. They need to know how to evaluate enterprise-wide risks, understand employee benefits strategies, analyse financial data, leverage technology and more – all within an increasingly interconnected business environment.
Recruitment is only the beginning. The greater challenge is creating an environment where talented professionals can develop into future industry leaders. Talent development has been a strategic priority for Hylant for the past several years. A key component is our internship programme, which welcomed more than 50 students this summer. Through our partnerships with higher education and our involvement with Gamma Iota Sigma, RIMS and the Self-Insurance Institute of America, we seek students and young professionals with diverse educational backgrounds and perspectives.
Beyond recruitment, next-gen initiatives focus on creating structured pathways for professional growth, connecting emerging professionals with mentors, encouraging participation in industry organisations and providing exposure to client challenges and risk management disciplines. These initiatives can accelerate development while helping individuals build the confidence and experience necessary to assume leadership roles.
That diversity is vitally important. We can expect the next generation of captive leaders to spring from any number of disciplines: finance, accounting, actuarial science, risk management and data analytics. Integrating breadth of expertise and myriad viewpoints will allow organisations such as ours to approach challenges from multiple angles and develop more creative solutions. Additionally, young professionals bring familiarity with emerging technologies, AI and new ways of working. Their eagerness and enthusiasm benefit our entire team by challenging assumptions and improving existing processes. Fresh thinking has always been at the heart of the captive industry.
However, recruitment is just the first step. Once we spot those future leaders, they deserve a sustained commitment to training, mentorship and professional development. It’s why Hylant chooses to expose our team to a broad range of disciplines, including captives, risk financing, traditional insurance programmes, employee benefits and enterprise risk management strategies.
We know that the most effective advisers understand how various risk management tools work together to support an organisation’s strategic goals. Developing that perspective requires both technical knowledge and practical experience.
Formal training is supplemented by educational opportunities through industry organisations, conferences and professional associations. Employees are encouraged to pursue learning opportunities that support both their current responsibilities and long-term career aspirations.
Caroline Erdman's recent Emerging talent recognition illustrates what that approach to development looks like in practice. In addition to serving clients, Caroline has actively engaged with young professional organisations, emerging risk management groups and captive industry initiatives. Those experiences have expanded her professional network, strengthened her leadership capabilities and provided opportunities to learn from a wide range of industry professionals. Just as important, they’ve positioned her to contribute to conversations about the industry’s future.
And while technology has made learning more accessible than ever, the value of face-to-face interaction is timeless. At conferences, our future leaders will collaborate with peers, deepen their understanding of emerging trends and engage in discussions to shape the industry’s future. Younger professionals can observe business development activities, participate in strategic discussions and build the relationships that contribute to long-term career success.
Developing future leaders ultimately benefits clients as well. Organisations increasingly face risks that cut across traditional silos, requiring advisers who can bring together expertise in captives, employee benefits, property and casualty programmes, human resources and enterprise risk management. Through Hylant Consulting, we’re also looking beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging diverse perspectives and helping people think differently about the challenges they face.
The captive industry has always been rooted in innovation, collaboration and leadership. Preserving those qualities requires a continuous commitment to developing the people who will carry the industry forward.
By focusing on recruitment, training, mentorship, industry engagement and professional growth, we can help ensure the captive industry remains strong, innovative and well-positioned for the future.
After all, our most important question is not who leads today’s industry. It’s who will be ready to lead it tomorrow.
The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your insurance broker or trusted adviser for insurance-related questions.
Anne Marie Towle is the chief executive officer at Hylant Consulting. She can be reached at Anne.Marie.Towle@Hylant.com
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