Chubb names new chief risk officer

Appointee has a long track record of success

By Ryan Smith

Apr 03, 2023 Share

Chubb Limited has announced that Frances O’Brien (pictured above left) has been appointed executive vice president of Chubb Group and chief risk officer.

O’Brien previously served as senior vice president of Chubb Group and deputy chief risk officer, a position she had held since 2002. In her new role, she will have executive responsibility for the group’s enterprise risk management organization. O’Brien succeeds Sean Ringsted (pictured above right) as chief risk officer.

“Fran is a seasoned executive with extensive underwriting, risk, actuarial and management experience,” said Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Chubb. “She has a long track record of success, and I have every confidence in her ability to lead this important aspect of our company. Managing our own risk exposures well are foundational for a company in the risk business.”

RIngsted will continue to serve as executive vice president of Chubb Group and chief digital business officer, leading the expansion of Chubb’s digital business unit globally. He will remain a member of the company’s Risk Underwriting Committee, Chubb said.

“This change in executive leadership responsibilities recognizes the significant opportunity we have to harness our resources and deploy cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence and large-scale data, to deliver business value and strategic advantages to Chubb’s businesses,” Greenberg said. “Under Sean’s leadership we will also continue to expand Chubb’s digital product and service offerings.”

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O’Brien and Ringsted will both report to Greenberg and John Keogh, president and COO of Chubb.

O’Brien has more than 40 years of industry experience. She was appointed senior vice president of Chubb Group and division president of North America Personal Risk Services in 2016 and held that position until being appointed deputy chief risk officer in 2022. Prior to ACE’s acquisition of Chubb in 2016, O’Brien served as senior vice president and chief risk officer of Chubb Corporation.

Ringsted has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He served as Chubb’s chief risk officer since 2008, and in 2017 was appointed to the additional role of chief digital officer. Prior to ACE’s acquisition of Chubb, Ringsted served as chief actuary and chief risk officer at ACE Limited.

Last month, Chubb announced that it has promoted company veteran Steven M. Hill to lead its North America financial lines division. In February, it added three executives to its climate division’s leadership team.

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