Experience

AmericanAg

• United States
• Insurance
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Reinsurance Underwriting at AmericanAg

  • Jul 2022 - Present

  I help drive the execution of underwriting goals and ensure profitability for our property and casualty reinsurance programs. By providing technical expertise in the evolving landscape of reinsurance offerings and industry trends. • Manage a growing team of Reinsurance Underwriters, emphasizing empowering the team with meaningful departmental changes. • Oversee placement and renewal activities for all treaty and facultative reinsurance contracts, and actively engage in client… Show more I help drive the execution of underwriting goals and ensure profitability for our property and casualty reinsurance programs. By providing technical expertise in the evolving landscape of reinsurance offerings and industry trends. • Manage a growing team of Reinsurance Underwriters, emphasizing empowering the team with meaningful departmental changes. • Oversee placement and renewal activities for all treaty and facultative reinsurance contracts, and actively engage in client discussions. • Evaluate and implement strategic changes to reinsurance contract wording, improving clarity and responsiveness to our ceding companies' coverage needs. • Cultivate robust client relationships to optimize portfolio returns and promote the relevance of AmericanAg™'s products and services. • Collaborate closely with other departments on underwriting aspects of the reinsurance business, including review and opine on rates promulgated by the Actuarial Department. • Develop and maintain reinsurance underwriting guidelines and procedures to ensure the profitable performance of reinsurance programs. • Enhance the AmericanAg™ reinsurance underwriting review process to provide additional value and insights to our ceding companies.

• Underwriting Manager

  • Jun 2020 - Jul 2022

  • Mentor underwriting staff, emphasizing critical thinking in both a primary and reinsurance sense; regularly offer to assist the staff in regard to internal and external work product. • Take the lead in projects and initiatives that can help improve the underwriting department’s knowledge base, efficiency, and value. Proactively reach out to internal partners to offer assistance or gain a familiarity regarding AmericanAg business as a whole; thereafter share lessons learned with the… Show more • Mentor underwriting staff, emphasizing critical thinking in both a primary and reinsurance sense; regularly offer to assist the staff in regard to internal and external work product. • Take the lead in projects and initiatives that can help improve the underwriting department’s knowledge base, efficiency, and value. Proactively reach out to internal partners to offer assistance or gain a familiarity regarding AmericanAg business as a whole; thereafter share lessons learned with the underwriting department. • Research and review AmericanAg’s treaties with the Farm Bureaus to develop a familiarity with AmericanAg’s appetite and comfort level with different Farm Bureaus; rely on this knowledge when discussing the performance or goals with internal and external parties. • Develop an awareness of any potential risk to AmericanAg’s own reinsurance treaties and portfolio when dealing with internal and external parties. • Review Umbrella Program, Special Acceptance, and Treaty Exclusion referrals from Farm Bureau underwriters in a timely and efficient manner. Proactively use these referrals to help train these underwriters while adhering to the AmericanAg Umbrella Underwriting Guidelines; simultaneously work towards improving Guideline terms and the relationship between AmericanAg and its Farm Bureau customers. • When appropriate, look for solutions for referrals that fall outside of AmericanAg’s appetite by utilizing the facultative market and suggesting brokerage options to find appropriate coverage for the exposure. Develop relationships with external parties to help promote Farm Bureau business.



QBE North America

• United States
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Underwriter

  • Jan 2019 - Jun 2020

  • Sole Property & Casualty Underwriter for QBE North America’s Financial Institutions Integrated Vertical. • Establish the Property & Casualty underwriting role in anticipation of future hires for the Vertical. • Working with key internal stakeholders in order to stay compliant with QBE’s underwriting process and external governmental regulations. • Market the advantage of the Integrated Vertical to large and middle-market brokers across the country, expanding on existing relationships… Show more • Sole Property & Casualty Underwriter for QBE North America’s Financial Institutions Integrated Vertical. • Establish the Property & Casualty underwriting role in anticipation of future hires for the Vertical. • Working with key internal stakeholders in order to stay compliant with QBE’s underwriting process and external governmental regulations. • Market the advantage of the Integrated Vertical to large and middle-market brokers across the country, expanding on existing relationships and creating new pipelines. • Successfully identified and prequalified existing Property & Casualty accounts presently within the QBE portfolio that fit within the Integrated Vertical’s appetite. Show less • Sole Property & Casualty Underwriter for QBE North America’s Financial Institutions Integrated Vertical. • Establish the Property & Casualty underwriting role in anticipation of future hires for the Vertical. • Working with key internal stakeholders in order to stay compliant with QBE’s underwriting process and external governmental regulations. • Market the advantage of the Integrated Vertical to large and middle-market brokers across the country, expanding on existing relationships… Show more • Sole Property & Casualty Underwriter for QBE North America’s Financial Institutions Integrated Vertical. • Establish the Property & Casualty underwriting role in anticipation of future hires for the Vertical. • Working with key internal stakeholders in order to stay compliant with QBE’s underwriting process and external governmental regulations. • Market the advantage of the Integrated Vertical to large and middle-market brokers across the country, expanding on existing relationships and creating new pipelines. • Successfully identified and prequalified existing Property & Casualty accounts presently within the QBE portfolio that fit within the Integrated Vertical’s appetite. Show less



AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

• United States
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Field Underwriter

  • Apr 2017 - Jun 2020

  • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable… Show more • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable growth of premium within the first year. Show less • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable… Show more • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable growth of premium within the first year. Show less



HDI Global SE

• Germany
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• CMP Casualty Underwriter

  • Aug 2015 - Apr 2017

  • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable… Show more • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable growth of premium within the first year. Show less • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable… Show more • Develop a senior underwriter role to help increase AmTrust’s marketability for agencies across the Midwest as a multi-line commercial insurance provider. Lines of business included casualty, property, package products, workers compensation, and auto; routinely given complex accounts warranting larger premiums. • Promote relationships with insurance agencies/brokers in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota by face-to-face marketing and underwriting at agency locations resulting in profitable growth of premium within the first year. Show less



Zurich Insurance

• Switzerland
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Foreign Casualty Underwriter

  • Feb 2014 - Aug 2015

  • Underwrite complex casualty risk for international clients with more than $750 million in annual sales. Analyze detailed proposals for coverage of international liability, foreign workers compensation, and foreign auto exposure in order to offer controlled master programs. • Lead presentations using a proprietary software that breaks out coverage and regulations by country. Calculate and negotiate premiums based on potential losses, exposures, and risks. • Market Zurich’s strength… Show more • Underwrite complex casualty risk for international clients with more than $750 million in annual sales. Analyze detailed proposals for coverage of international liability, foreign workers compensation, and foreign auto exposure in order to offer controlled master programs. • Lead presentations using a proprietary software that breaks out coverage and regulations by country. Calculate and negotiate premiums based on potential losses, exposures, and risks. • Market Zurich’s strength to brokers, evaluate clients’ risk management practices, and promote consulting services.

• International Service Specialist

  • Mar 2011 - Jan 2014

  • Manage 50 international accounts for the Property Group, ensuring that global policy implementation was timely, accurate, and addressed needs due to specific laws and regulations per country. • Sole member of team assigned to review contracts with reinsurance companies, focusing on negotiating amendments and clauses in favor of Zurich. • Proactively address concerns and finding solutions thereto while adhering to strict best practices for deliverables and customer service. Trained new… Show more • Manage 50 international accounts for the Property Group, ensuring that global policy implementation was timely, accurate, and addressed needs due to specific laws and regulations per country. • Sole member of team assigned to review contracts with reinsurance companies, focusing on negotiating amendments and clauses in favor of Zurich. • Proactively address concerns and finding solutions thereto while adhering to strict best practices for deliverables and customer service. Trained new hires and contractors in job skills, company policy, and technology. • Selected to manage an account with $1 billion in annual sales based on a proven ability to address complex problems and relationships.



The Law Office of Shariq Shafi, Esq.

• Greater Chicago Area

• Attorney

  • Mar 2008 - Aug 2015

  Advised clients on a range of issues related to business and law. Drafted, revised, and reviewed contracts for international transactions, purchasing, consulting agreements, commercial real estate, and labor contracts. Negotiate resolutions, and write demand letters. • Negotiated a multimillion dollar contract between a consultant, start up, and venture capitalists. Guided the client in strategies for negotiation, fee structure, and risk mitigation. • Represented a client in court… Show more Advised clients on a range of issues related to business and law. Drafted, revised, and reviewed contracts for international transactions, purchasing, consulting agreements, commercial real estate, and labor contracts. Negotiate resolutions, and write demand letters. • Negotiated a multimillion dollar contract between a consultant, start up, and venture capitalists. Guided the client in strategies for negotiation, fee structure, and risk mitigation. • Represented a client in court on an issue related to a complex agreement and fiduciary duty. Played a lead role in negotiating a settlement. • Developed an understanding of legal systems in India, and advised American clients on business and legal issues. • Performed legal duties part-time while working full-time at a major corporation (Zurich) and demonstrating an ability to work across business units Show less Advised clients on a range of issues related to business and law. Drafted, revised, and reviewed contracts for international transactions, purchasing, consulting agreements, commercial real estate, and labor contracts. Negotiate resolutions, and write demand letters. • Negotiated a multimillion dollar contract between a consultant, start up, and venture capitalists. Guided the client in strategies for negotiation, fee structure, and risk mitigation. • Represented a client in court… Show more Advised clients on a range of issues related to business and law. Drafted, revised, and reviewed contracts for international transactions, purchasing, consulting agreements, commercial real estate, and labor contracts. Negotiate resolutions, and write demand letters. • Negotiated a multimillion dollar contract between a consultant, start up, and venture capitalists. Guided the client in strategies for negotiation, fee structure, and risk mitigation. • Represented a client in court on an issue related to a complex agreement and fiduciary duty. Played a lead role in negotiating a settlement. • Developed an understanding of legal systems in India, and advised American clients on business and legal issues. • Performed legal duties part-time while working full-time at a major corporation (Zurich) and demonstrating an ability to work across business units Show less



Zurich North America

• United States
• Insurance
• 700 & Above Employee

• Litigation Management Attorney

  • Oct 2008 - Sep 2011

  Reviewed the work of outside counsel to ensure billable hours were accurate. Evaluated preparation of and changes to litigation and other legal documents, including pleadings and letters. Requested documentation to support charges. Negotiated changes in billing. • Selected as part of a pilot program that expedited review and payment to large firms that discounted billing. • Created a tracking system to identify key words and trained team members in its use. • Developed an… Show more Reviewed the work of outside counsel to ensure billable hours were accurate. Evaluated preparation of and changes to litigation and other legal documents, including pleadings and letters. Requested documentation to support charges. Negotiated changes in billing. • Selected as part of a pilot program that expedited review and payment to large firms that discounted billing. • Created a tracking system to identify key words and trained team members in its use. • Developed an understanding of how corporations and outside counsel interact. Show less Reviewed the work of outside counsel to ensure billable hours were accurate. Evaluated preparation of and changes to litigation and other legal documents, including pleadings and letters. Requested documentation to support charges. Negotiated changes in billing. • Selected as part of a pilot program that expedited review and payment to large firms that discounted billing. • Created a tracking system to identify key words and trained team members in its use. • Developed an… Show more Reviewed the work of outside counsel to ensure billable hours were accurate. Evaluated preparation of and changes to litigation and other legal documents, including pleadings and letters. Requested documentation to support charges. Negotiated changes in billing. • Selected as part of a pilot program that expedited review and payment to large firms that discounted billing. • Created a tracking system to identify key words and trained team members in its use. • Developed an understanding of how corporations and outside counsel interact. Show less



The Petra Law Group, LLC

• Greater Chicago Area

• Associate Attorney

  • Mar 2007 - 2008

  Developed broad legal skills working for a firm that specialized in corporate litigation, real estate, and criminal law. Represented clients in court and at administrative hearings. Researched a range of legal issues and wrote contracts/briefs. Supported experienced attorneys during negotiations. Assigned duties to paralegals and interns. • Served as primary legal advisor for an affiliated title company, gaining expertise in reviewing titles and representing clients at closing. Developed broad legal skills working for a firm that specialized in corporate litigation, real estate, and criminal law. Represented clients in court and at administrative hearings. Researched a range of legal issues and wrote contracts/briefs. Supported experienced attorneys during negotiations. Assigned duties to paralegals and interns. • Served as primary legal advisor for an affiliated title company, gaining expertise in reviewing titles and representing clients at closing.