Insurance Leader of the Year

Hosted by the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science and established in 1995, the “Insurance Leader of the Year Award” has annually recognized the contributions of outstanding individuals whose leadership in the worldwide insurance and financial services industry sets them apart from their peers. Proceeds of this event directly support Greenberg School programs and students.

Christopher J. Swift is being honored for his transformational leadership of The Hartford and his longstanding contributions to the insurance industry and the communities it serves.

The Award Selection Committee is chaired by Cynthia R. Shoss, Partner, former Co-Chair of Global Board and former Co-Head of Global Insurance Group, Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, and includes Robert P. Hartwig, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Finance and Director – Risk and Uncertainty Management Center, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina; Laura J. Hay, Retired Global Head of Insurance of KPMG; John J. Hendrickson, Retired CEO, Concert Group; Michael J. Morrissey, Chairman of the Board, Protective Life Corporation; Patrick J. Shouvlin, Retired Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; and both Brandon Sweitzer, Dean Emeritus, and Ellen Thrower, Ph.D., Professor Emerita and Retired Executive Director, of the St. John's University’s Greenberg School.

All of our event planning and protocols are subject to the latest public health guidelines and as such this event may be modified as circumstances change.  For questions or concerns related to ticket or table purchases for this award dinner, please contact our event manager at [email protected] or call to 347-986-7488.

Christopher J. Swift
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Hartford

Christopher J. Swift is chairman and CEO of The Hartford. Since joining The Hartford as CFO in 2010, he was the driving force in the company’s transformation following the global financial crisis, resulting in an industry-leading insurance company focused on the property and casualty and employee benefits markets.

Named CEO in 2014, Swift expanded the company’s capabilities and geographic reach through organic growth and strategic investments, including the purchase of Aetna’s U.S. group life and disability business in 2017 and The Navigators Group, Inc., a specialty lines property and casualty business, in 2019. He also completed the company’s exit from the run-off life and annuity business, focusing the enterprise on areas of strength and positioning it for profitable growth.

Swift is a recognized advocate for mental health awareness in the workplace, helping business leaders create stigma-free environments and lead with empathy. He actively promotes the company’s initiatives aimed at strengthening community vitality and improving economic mobility within the City of Hartford. In 2025, he formed the Vision Committee, bringing together corporate and community leaders to create a unifying vision for Connecticut’s state capital. His advocacy embodies the company’s longstanding tradition of volunteerism, support, and dedication to improve quality of life and vibrancy in The Hartford’s namesake city and home since 1810.

Beyond his role at The Hartford, Swift serves on the boards of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Hartford HealthCare and American Property Casualty Insurance Association. He is also a member of the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, the Council on Foreign Relations, The Geneva Association and CNBC CEO Council.

Prior to The Hartford, he held senior leadership positions at American International Group (AIG) and began his career as a certified public accountant at KPMG LLP where he led the Global Insurance Industry Practice.

He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Marquette University, where he is also a trustee.

Sponsors for the 30th Insurance Leader of the Year / Award Dinner Journal