Energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. To protect this momentum, energy businesses need expertise of professionals like Emmy Pan, who understand the nuances of the energy sector and work tirelessly to meet their insurance and risk management needs. Recently honored as a honoree, Emmy is not just making her mark; she’s creating waves in the energy insurance landscape with her relentless dedication to meeting the unique risk management needs of energy businesses.
尤物视频plays a pivotal role in empowering our clients to succeed in the competitive energy sector. By developing innovative insurance solutions tailored to the diverse needs of energy businesses, with the help of underwriting talent like Emmy, insurance is not just helping energy businesses manage risks—it’s supporting their growth and success in an industry that is vital to our economy.
In this Q&A, Emmy shares her career path, the skills and experiences that continue to fuel hers and her clients’ success, and the passion that drives her enthusiasm for her work every single day.
How’d you get here? How’d you become an energy underwriter?
Emmy: I studied mathematics in college, thinking that I’d become an actuary. But I had second thoughts about becoming an actuary when I realized that I would be spending a lot of time in front of a computer. I was drawn to underwriting because it offered the chance to engage directly with the market.
After graduating, I joined Zurich as an underwriting assistant (UA), where I was involved in the entire submission process from start to finish. This role allowed me to collaborate closely with underwriters, risk engineers and others, gaining insights into how the risks are assessed and policies are quoted. I developed a comprehensive understanding of the whole underwriting flow, from the initial submission to the final binding of the policy, which has been invaluable in my current underwriting role.
After two years, I was promoted to an underwriting role at Zurich where I spent another four years sharpening my understanding of the energy industry. In 2022, I joined 九色视频as a senior underwriter because I saw an opportunity to grow my skills even more.
Can you share an experience that highlights the importance of your role? A proud moment where you helped a client? Went the extra mile?
Emmy: One particularly significant experience involved a client seeking additional property capacity for a building project. The client’s broker reached out to us. Since it was a brand-new facility, no engineering data was provided with the submission. Data and risk assessments are so important in underwriting energy risks. Without them, we can’t do our jobs.
Understanding the importance of this project, I enlisted one of our risk engineers to visit the project, providing them with questions to collect the right engineering information so that they could complete a risk assessment and get comfortable with writing the risk. Although submissions without engineering data usually lead us to pass, our strong relationship with the broker allowed us to navigate the challenges effectively. In this case, our teamwork and proactive approach allowed us to overcome our concerns and get the information that we need to support our client in a meaningful way.
My expertise lies in assessing and underwriting risks associated with various segments of the energy industry, including power generation, midstream operations, downstream activities, and renewables.
What makes energy insurance particularly significant in today’s market?
Emmy: Today’s energy market faces numerous challenges, including adoption of new technologies and evolving regulations. Navigating this market requires effective risk mitigation. Additionally, we are witnessing an increase in Nat Cat events, which underscores the importance of providing robust property protection to our clients.
Given that many energy projects are large-scale, they require specialized expertise and substantial capacity to ensure comprehensive coverage. In this dynamic landscape, our role as underwriters adds significant value, as we help clients navigate complex risks while ensuring their assets, including their facilities, are well protected.
What key skills do you believe are essential for success in energy underwriting?
Emmy: As I mentioned before, my time spent as a UA was particularly valuable to me because it gave me such valuable insight into the whole underwriting workflow.
Analytical skills are also important. We often receive submissions filled with tons of information. It takes a strong ability to analyze this data and identify the most relevant details. What’s important. What’s not.
Additionally, strong interpersonal skills are important for building relationships with clients and brokers. Finally, the ability to adapt to changes in the market and industry regulations is critical, as the landscape is always evolving and requires underwriters to stay agile.
Energy projects come with unique and complex risks, including operational hazards, environmental concerns, regulatory compliance, and market volatility. Energy underwriters are responsible for evaluating these risks meticulously to ensure that clients receive appropriate coverage tailored to their specific needs.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become an underwriter?
Emmy: For anyone aspiring to become an underwriter, I would emphasize the importance of building strong relationships. Developing good rapport with clients and brokers is so important.
Staying curious and committed to continuous learning is key too. My expertise lies in assessing and underwriting risks associated with various segments of the energy industry, including power generation, midstream operations, downstream activities, and renewables. To stay current with industry trends, I actively engage in continuous learning, attend industry conferences, and participate in professional associations. This helps me understand emerging risks and adapt our insurance solutions accordingly.
Pursuing relevant credentials will enhance your expertise and credibility. I’m currently working toward my Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.
Finally, being responsive to requests from brokers and clients is vital, as it demonstrates professionalism and commitment to service.
Why was a career in insurance the right choice for you?
Emmy: Choosing a career in insurance, particularly in energy underwriting, has been an incredibly fulfilling decision for me. This field is never boring and constantly offers opportunities for learning and professional growth. One of the most exciting aspects is that I get to visit various sites, such as refineries and terminals, which adds a dynamic element to my work. I’m not just sitting behind a computer.
I also feel a sense of purpose in my role. I feel like I’m making an impact. Where would any of us be without the energy capacity that our clients provide? And I get to help protect their most valuable assets, facilities that we all rely on to meet our energy needs. Knowing that is what makes this career choice so rewarding for me.
Emmy joins Primary Casualty Senior Underwriter Lexi Bueno and Mid-Market Underwriting Manager Chris Kelly as 2025 Business 尤物视频Break Out Award honorees. Read more about Lexi’s career journey here, and Chris’ career journey here.
Learn more about underwriting and other opportunities at AXA XL. Visit Careers at AXA XL.
