St. John's News

Brian Duperreault, Chairman of Ace Limited, to be Honored by St. John's University's School of Risk Management as the 2004 Insurance Leader of the Year

September 22, 2004

New York, NY - The School of Risk Management (SRM), an arm of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business of St. John's University, will honor Brian Duperreault, Chairman of ACE Limited, as the "2004 Insurance Leader of the Year" at its 10th Annual Insurance Leader of the Year Award Dinner on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.  Ramani Ayer, Chairman, President & CEO of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will serve as Honorary Chairman for the dinner.

"This Award recognizes an individual's exceptional leadership over a lifetime or during the year of the Award," said Brandon W. Sweitzer, Chairman of the SRM Board of Overseers.  "Brian has been an exceptional Chief Executive for many years and has built one of the most admirable franchises in the world of industry and reinsurance.  He is a consummate professional, both technically and in his ability to lead.  His shareholders, clients and associates should be pleased with his stewardship.  There is no question he deserves to join the ranks of those before him that have received this Award."

"Our students, most of whom come from modest economic backgrounds, will be the direct beneficiaries of the high esteem in which Brian Duperreault is held by the insurance industry worldwide," said Dr. Ellen Thrower, Executive Director of the School of Risk Management.  "It is both a pleasure and an honor to recognize him as the 2004 Insurance Leader of the Year."

The "Insurance Leader of the Year Award," presented annually since 1995, recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals whose leadership in the worldwide insurance and financial services industry sets them apart from their peers.  Past recipients are John T. (Jack) Sinnott, Retired Chairman & CEO of Marsh Inc.; Paul B. Ingrey, Chairman & CEO of Arch Worldwide Insurance and Reinsurance Group; John J. (Jack) Byrne, Chairman of White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.; Ronald E. Ferguson, Retired Chairman and CEO of General Re Corporation; Robert Clements, Chairman of Arch Capital Group (U.S.) Inc.; Maurice R. (Hank) Greenberg, Chairman & CEO of American International Group, Inc.; Patrick G. Ryan, Chairman of Aon Group; Sir David Rowland, former Chairman of Lloyd's of London; and Edward J. Muhl, former Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York.

The Award Selection Committee is chaired by Kathryn McIntyre, who recently retired as Publishing Director of Business Insurance, and includes Richard E. Stewart, Stewart Economics; George Bernstein, The Law Offices of George Bernstein; Peter Walker, McKinsey & Company; and Gordon Stewart, Insurance Information Institute.

The School of Risk Management was founded in 1901 as the Insurance Society of New York and over the years, evolved into The College of Insurance (TCI).  In June 2001, TCI merged with St. John's University, becoming a school of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.  Located in New York City's downtown financial district, SRM awards undergraduate, M.B.A., and M.S. degrees in the insurance, risk management and actuarial science disciplines.  Through its Center for Professional Education, SRM also provides education, training and consulting services to the industry, governments and regulators worldwide.

Photo of Mr. Duperreault available. To attend the dinner, please contact Maureen Furlong-Weber at (212) 277-5111.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jody Fisher at (718) 990-6185 or fisherjo@stjohns.edu.