Getting to Know the Environmental Team – Erin Brown

We sat down with Erin Brown, Vice President, U.S. Environmental, who joined Aspen in 2011, to find out what a typical day in her role looks like: 

Could you first please tell us a little about yourself and your current role at Aspen?
I grew up in California’s Bay Area and attended both Boston College and the University of California at Santa Cruz, where I received my degree in Environmental Studies. My insurance career began in 2001 through AIG’s Professional Associate program. Over the following decade, I held a number of underwriting and management roles with AIG Environmental, working in both San Francisco, CA, and St. Louis, MO. In 2011, I joined Aspen and currently serve as Vice President, Environmental, in San Francisco.

Please walk us through how team sells U.S. environmental insurance and which products you offer.
The Aspen Environmental team offers a full suite of environmental products, including Hazard Products such as, site pollution, contractors pollution/professional and underground storage tank. Additionally, we offer Casualty Products, such as general liability and pollution for manufacturers and distributors, and general liability, pollution and professional liability for environmental contractors and consultants.

By collaborating closely with our broker partners, our commitment to understanding each client’s unique operations empowers us to deliver customized solutions that address specific environmental risks and help our client mitigate potential liabilities and comply with relevant regulations. Staying informed about evolving industry standards and leveraging the expertise of our team, also ensures that our clients receive up-to-date coverage options and proactive guidance. This approach enhances protection for our insureds and underscores our role as a trusted partner in managing complex environmental exposures within a dynamic marketplace.

How do the U.S. and International Environmental teams work together?
In today’s global economy, many companies have operations in various countries. Through Aspen’s U.S. and International Environmental teams, we can provide comprehensive coverage in multiple countries and territories. This partnership allows us to leverage local expertise and regulatory knowledge from both teams, thereby facilitating timely responses to client needs and regulatory developments.

By collaborating closely, underwriters can address complex cross-border exposures and coordinate solutions that reflect the unique requirements of each region. This integrated approach not only streamlines the process for clients seeking global coverage, it enhances the quality and consistency of service across different markets. As environmental risks and regulations continue to evolve, this team-based approach will be increasingly vital for delivering innovative products and maintaining a competitive edge worldwide.

What skills are needed to have a successful career as an environmental executive in insurance?
Curiosity, critical thinking, strong work ethic and not taking things personally.

To build a successful career as an environmental executive in the insurance industry, several key skills are essential. Curiosity drives professionals to continually seek out new information and stay informed about emerging trends and regulations in the environmental sector. And, critical thinking is vital for analyzing complex situations, assessing risks, and making sound decisions that benefit both clients and the organization.

A strong work ethic underpins the commitment required to navigate the challenges of the industry and consistently deliver high-quality results. Furthermore, it is important not to take things personally, as the field often involves negotiation, differing opinions and the need to adapt to change without losing focus or motivation. Together, these skills form the foundation for a rewarding and effective career in environmental insurance leadership.

What are some of the major challenges facing the environmental insurance industry today?
Educating Insureds about the benefits of environmental insurance is becoming increasingly essential. For instance, pollution insurance may not always be a requirement, so an insured might decide to go without coverage, not fully understanding the risks.

Another challenge is managing social inflation effectively. The cost of liability claims has grown over the past 20 years, significantly impacting the ability to secure adequate rate in a highly competitive space. In addition, regulatory changes and evolving environmental risks have created an environment where insurers need to stay nimble and proactive in their underwriting approaches in order to be successful.

As the field adapts to new technologies and increases awareness of these environmental impacts, innovation in policy design and risk assessment will be critical. Looking ahead, collaboration between Aspen’s U.S. and International teams will become even more important to provide seamless global coverage as clients expand their operations across borders. Both established and emerging risks will prompt underwriters to refine strategies and develop solutions that meet the changing needs of the marketplace, paving the way for growth and resilience in the environmental underwriting sector over the next five to ten years.

Where do you see the environmental underwriting field heading in the next five to ten years?
Within the next 5 to 10 years, the environmental underwriting field will likely experience major transformation, driven by advances in technology, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Insurers will increasingly utilize data analytics and AI to enhance risk assessment and streamline decision-making processes, enabling more precise underwriting and tailored coverage solutions.

As climate change and environmental incidents continue to influence public perception and policy, demand for innovative insurance products that address emerging exposures will rise. The industry will need to remain agile, proactively adapting to shifting regulatory landscapes and thoughtfully collaborating across borders to ensure cohesive responses to global environmental challenges.

Coming up: Getting to Know Cassandra Phillips, Aspen International Environmental Underwriter