John Rafferty
Arch Insurance North America

Listen to clients more than speak. Be creative where possible in being a solution provider. These key tenets have helped John Rafferty reach the top. “The best underwriters have a clear and nuanced view of what they wish to write and make the effort to measure their actions and outcomes in a very detailed manner,” he says. “This creates an ability to empirically demonstrate a better and more strategic portfolio.”

Rafferty served as executive vice president and leader of the Executive Assurance, Professional Liability and Healthcare business unit at Arch Insurance Group before taking on the role of chief underwriting officer for North America financial and professional lines in 2018. He credits the people around him for helping him navigate the industry.

“I have been extremely blessed in having a small handful of very talented and accomplished mentors/bosses,” he says, “and also fortunate to have had countless extremely gifted, hard-working people within or supporting my teams – and  me personally.”

Rafferty also attributes his success to the culture at Arch. “Arch is very serious about embracing the evolution taking hold in the insurance industry with respect to data and analytics/digital partnerships, and also in regard to fostering an environment of enhanced diversity and inclusion,” he says. “I am especially motivated by and proud that my teams are taking a true leading and impactful role in both areas.”