Profile
Rebekah Barnes
“It’s a personal journey, putting yourself in an unfamiliar situation and learning how to adapt, while still being true to yourself. I’ve grown from that. By working with people from different cultures, you learn in ways you couldn’t if you were just surrounded by people like you.”
Five business units and three major cities in two different countries: global — and upward mobility — characterize Rebekah Barnes’s career at Chubb.
Barnes joined Chubb after graduating from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. “I’ve been with Chubb for nearly 10 years now, and during this time I’ve had the opportunity to hold roles across five different business units, and work in three major cities in two different countries.” Her career with the company has taken her from reinsurance to underwriting, from claims specialist to a senior position, from Philadelphia to Chicago to London.
The opportunity to work in the London office came through Chubb’s Global Development Program, which is designed to expose talented employees to international opportunities while building their professional capabilities and a global mindset through practical experiences in markets and countries other than their own.
“I’ve gotten a lot out of my program experience,” Barnes said, noting that it has been both a professional and a personal journey, “putting yourself in an unfamiliar situation and learning how to adapt, while still being true to yourself. I’ve grown from that.”
Barnes is currently honing her leadership skills and feels that for individuals just starting out and willing to work hard, Chubb’s meritocratic and global culture offers many opportunities for young employees willing to work hard and be flexible when it comes to relocating. “Once you identify yourself as someone that is willing to relocate, Chubb does a really good job of recognizing that, and you’re more likely to be selected for opportunities in the future.
Wherever she’s worked, the overall culture at Chubb suits Barnes. “By working with people from different cultures, you learn in ways you couldn’t if you were just surrounded by people like you.” In support of the LGBTQ community, Barnes helped established the first U.K. Pride group at the company and was among the first Chubb employees to participate in the London Pride parade — marching forward to help make visible the company’s inclusive values.
“What I have found rewarding is that no two days are ever the same. Insurance really is a direct reflection of the world that we live in. As the world is constantly changing and evolving, so is the insurance industry,” Barnes explains. “Every single day is a new challenge and I’m continuously learning.”