Brian Duperreault has hired or promoted from within at least 13 senior executives at American International Group since he rejoined the insurance giant nearly a year ago.
Duperreault, in his letter to shareholders contained in AIG’s recently-released 2017 annual report, said a big part of the year involved the insurer recruiting or promoting new senior executives. That work dovetailed with AIG’s move to revamp its organizational structure into three divisions: General Insurance, Life and Retirement and Blackboard Insurance, its technology-based subsidiary.
“A significant part of our work in 2017 was empowering this organizational structure by strengthening our leadership and underwriting talent,” the AIG CEO wrote. “I am very pleased this included several additions to our Executive Leadership Team, from both within and outside AIG.”
One of the biggest hires Duperreault notes was Peter Zaffino, an old colleague of Duperreault’s who left his job as Marsh CEO to become AIG’s executive vice president and global chief operating officer. Nearly a year later, Duperreault gushed about Zaffino in his shareholder letter, pointing out his “deep insurance knowledge and expertise” that will benefit AIG’s General Insurance arm.
Duperreault also pointed out Zaffino’s “execution-based skill set” and “proven track record of delivering top financial and operational business performance over the past 10 years of his career” that he expects will be a big driver of AIG’s growth strategies in the coming months and years. As well, Duperreault credited Zaffino for many of the executive promotions or new hires of veteran or outside executives and said the personnel push “speaks to our future.”
Those hires/promotions under Duppereault’s/Zaffino’s watch include:
As well, AIG veteran executive Claudine Macartney was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer, and Seraina Macia rejoined AIG with its acquisition of Hamilton USA to lead Blackboard Insurance (formerly Hamilton USA, which she led and was acquired when Duperreault came to AIG). Her role: to accelerate AIG’s use of emerging technology and data science for underwriting ahd claims.
There’s also Lucy Fato, another Marsh & McLennan veteran who worked with Zaffino and Duperreault when both were there. She joined AIG as General Counsel to oversee the insurer’s Global Legal, Compliance and Regulatory department. Tom Leonardi became AIG’s new Head of Government Affairs, Public Policy and Communication, after a long stint in the industry that included serving as Insurance Commissioner for Connecticut.
As well, Naohiro Mouri, previously head of AIG’s Asia Pacific Audit operations, is now Chief Auditor and he became a member of the Executive Leadership Team in March, Duperreault said in his letter. With his ascendance, previous Chief Auditor Donna DeMaio has become Global Chief Operating Officer for General Insurance.
Click here to read the full shareholder letter.