Stewarding the Future of Insurance with Travelers EVP Michael Klein
Published January 29, 2026
In this special Travelers Institute Risk & Resilience episode, we’re sharing a conversation Travelers EVP and President of Personal Insurance Michael Klein had on the Risk & Resolve podcast with hosts Ben Conner and Todd Hufford about his remarkable journey in the insurance industry.
Michael offered candid insights about career setbacks that ultimately positioned him for greater success, the importance of professional advocates and the vast opportunities within the insurance industry. He discussed Travelers’ focus on digitization and modernization, the critical need for attracting young talent to the industry and his mission to leave the insurance world better than he found it.
Listen now:
Speaker
Michael F. Klein
Executive Vice President; President, Personal Insurance, Travelers
Key takeaways
- Career paths can start in unexpected places, so stay curious and take informational conversations seriously.
- What feels like a step backward can become the experience that qualifies you to lead bigger roles later.
- Long-term success is rarely solo: Mentors, partners and behind-the-scenes advocates can be the difference-maker when your confidence dips.
- Preparation plus timing creates “luck,” so focus on mastering your craft so you’re ready when opportunities like mergers or leadership openings appear.
- Independent agents are uniquely positioned to address the insurance industry’s talent and reputation gap because they already act as trusted educators about risk and recovery in their communities.
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