10 Things You Didn’t Know About Christopher J. Swift, CEO of Hartford Financial Services

Christopher Swift is the CEO of Harford Financial Services. He’s been a valuable asset for the company since first joining them in March of 2010 and working his way into a higher position. We’ve taken a look into his professional portfolio and profile and were impressed with what we found. We’d like to share 10 things about Christopher Swift that you probably didn’t know.

1. He helped to save the company from the brink of disaster

When Christopher Swift was first brought on board at Hartford Financial Services in 2010, it was in the capacity of executive vice president and chief financial officer. He came in at a time when the company was solid, but it wouldn’t be long before they were in dire straits. A major restructuring of the entire financial services industry occurred and everyone was fixing issues with balance sheets and being one of three insurance companies who accepted TARP money, they were at the center of activity. Stock prices fell to three dollars and although it wasn’t just Hartford, it was something they had to deal with. Swift consulted with the board and was able to lead them through the crisis by choosing which businesses they would keep and which they would let go. They came up with an effective plan that forecast a few future events and took actions that improved their returns in a short time span.

2. He worked at AIG

Before accepting a position with Hartford Financial Services, Mr. Swift was employed at the American International Group. He began in a variety of finance roles. He also obtained senior leadership status during his tenure with AIG.

3. He holds a bachelor’s degree

Swift attended Marquette University. He studied in their accounting program. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Accounting he went on to take his exam and passed to become a Certified Public Accountant.

4. His first job was as a CPA

The first job that Swift obtained as a CPA was at KPMG LLP. His main role with the company was in the area of financial services. He performed very well and was promoted to a position as head of their Global Insurance Industry Practice. This was an impressive feat for being in his first job as a CPA.

5. He’s a transformational leader

Swift is in charge of the strategy and growth for the Hartford Financial Services. He’s also in charge of the capital allocation and performance and well as the culture and leadership. He’s been credited with transforming the operations for the company and he’s done an excellent job of it during his tenure.

6. Swift serves on multiple boards

It’s always good to stay connected and Swift certainly is. He serves on several different boards. These include the Marquette University board, the Insurance Information Institute and he’s also on the Board of Directors at Catalyst, Inc.

7. He’s a philanthropist

Christopher Swift is wearing many different hats in his position of leadership at the Harford Financial Services. One of them is to spearhead their corporate philanthropy efforts. He encourages this through his involvement as a member of the Committee for encouraging corporate philanthropy.

8. Swift is a foreign relations advisor

Christopher Swift is an expert on many aspects of the business world. One of them is in foreign relations. He’s a member of the Council on Foreign Relations as well as the International Insurance Society, Inc. His input is valued by professionals throughout the industry and they seek his advisement through his various association and board memberships.

9. He also serves on other business related boards

Swift is a member of multiple important boards and associations that have input into the rules and recommendations as well as legislation that affects the way that the Insurance and Financial Services sector are run. In addition to his other memberships, he is also a part of The Business Council, The Business Roundtable, as well as the Geneva Association and the Financial Services Roundtable.

10. He’s forward-looking

As we approach 2019, Swift is looking to the future and anticipating the largest issues that the insurance industry will face in the upcoming year. He’s seen a constant disruption within the industry by innovation in technology and the largest problem will be in choosing the best solutions to help in delivering accurate and fast digital solutions for their clients so they can maintain a healthy edge within their practices.