After leading ACE, Marsh and most recently Hamilton Insurance Group, Duperreault returned to AIG in 2017 as its president and chief executive officer (he prefers the title “Professional Gambler”). Throughout his impressive career, he has placed his bets on the power of people and talent.
“If you have the right team, you can accomplish anything,” said Duperreault. “I didn’t always need to be the smartest person in the room, I wanted to be surrounded by the smartest people who are the best at what they do. And I still want that.”
When addressing the insurance industry’s future, he spoke about the advantages of investing in human talent, despite the growth of InsurTech companies looking to disrupt the industry using automation and artificial intelligence.
“There are certain types of insurance transactions that can benefit from using the speed and efficiency of a machine or an algorithm, but complexity demands human involvement,” said Duperreault. “There are a lot of factors, along with judgment, that goes into placing our bet. A machine alone can’t do this.”
“You need to know people. You need to know the numbers. You gotta have the ability as an underwriter to take the risks and live with the consequences.”
Following the lecture and audience Q&A session, attendees were treated to a cocktail and networking reception where AIG recruiters were available to meet with students.
Southern Glazer’s Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series brings students, alumni, and other members of the UM community together with top business leaders throughout the year.
To learn more or for a complete schedule of upcoming special guest lectures, click here.
