Claire Richardson
Captive consultant
Hylant Global Captive Solutions
Personal bio: I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and now call Indianapolis home. I prioritise trying new recipes in my kitchen and adventuring in and around Indy for some great new restaurants. Staying active is core to my lifestyle and I cherish my time in the gym and on the trails. Live music, baseball, sunsets, and my dog hold a special place in my heart.
How did you end up in the captive industry? I went to Butler University and studied risk management and insurance, completing my Bachelor’s degree in May 2021, and starting my career with Hylant in June 2021. Prior to joining Hylant, I had internships as a captive account management intern at Aon, a risk solutions intern with CRC Group, and interned for two semesters with Hylant as a captive consulting intern. Each experience built my knowledge base, allowing me to complete my CISR designation in July 2021, and my ACI designation in March 2022.
I love to learn and will continue to learn from organisations I am involved in, including VCIA, NCCIA, the National Alliance’s CISR board of governors, the National Alliance’s UA advisory board, and Butler’s Davey Risk Management and Insurance Program advisory board.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
The people. Every single person I have met thus far in the industry has been so accepting, energising, and passionate about supporting young talent into the industry. This is an industry like no other, that genuinely wants everyone to succeed, competitor or not. The captive industry’s support in the first year of my career has set me up for success and it is an industry in which I am thrilled to continue to work.
What is your impression of the industry?
It is one big, extremely educated, kind, innovative, and fun-loving family. As not many people intentionally go into the insurance (or captive) industry, this career diversity allows for an unmatched level of innovation. The industry fosters the best experiences for captive clients, attributable to the sheer volume of advanced and fruitful collaboration.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
I hope to serve as a resource in the industry as I accumulate knowledge through experience, designation coursework and working through challenges, especially to those just starting in the industry. I have been extremely blessed that my hard work has paid off and I love exactly what I am doing, and I want to assist and empower young leaders in entering the captive industry.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
Go for it! Do not be afraid to ask questions and to reach out to industry professionals who you might find on LinkedIn or in an article, as the industry welcomes new talent with open arms. If you have the opportunity, look for an internship in a business within the captive industry, or take the time to join a webinar on captives to increase your exposure to the space and serve as an aid in your decision. The flexibility in this space is unmatched and you can easily find a home within the captive industry.
Anne Marie Towle Global captive solutions leader, Hylant “Claire has spearheaded the captive education with our interns at Hylant by training and being a resource. She has constantly asked me and others for tips and tricks for professional speaking and presentations to our clients and prospects. I have had the privilege of managing Claire for almost two years now, and she is a true team player in being available to assist with captive projects. Claire is motivated, outgoing, innovative and fun-loving, going the extra mile for anyone who requests her time and experience. Claire demonstrates the epitome of emerging talent and is a rising star in the captive industry.”
