Our People: Meet Senior VP Brad Ware

We invited Brad Ware of the Zurich Programs team, to share more about his background and experience with us.

Q: Can you share a little background about yourself?

I was raised outside of Chicago and lived there until seven years ago, when my family and I moved to Dallas for a work opportunity. My career began as a Middle Market underwriter, and since then, I’ve held numerous roles, all focused in the Middle Market space. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the industry and allowed me to support customers with tailored solutions.

I am passionate about working collaboratively and contributing to our team’s success, always striving to provide reliable service and make a positive impact. My approach is shaped by Zurich’s values—optimism, caring, and reliability—which I aim to bring to every task and interaction.

Outside of work, I’ve been married to my wife, Megan, for nearly 17 years. We have three wonderful children, aged 14, 11, and 9, who keep us busy and bring lots of joy to our lives.

Q: Can you give us some insight into your role as Senior VP, Programs?

I love the diversity of opportunities that my role as Senior VP, Programs provides. In this position, I oversee both sales and underwriting for the Programs team, which allows me to flex both my creative and technical skills. Managing these areas means I get to engage in strategic thinking while also driving tangible results—a balance I find both challenging and rewarding.

In my early days in this role, I’ve focused on portfolio diversification and sales optimization, ensuring we build a robust and balanced program business. I feel fortunate to lead a well-established team that is motivated and eager to grow. Together, we are always looking for ways to innovate, deliver reliable solutions to our customers, and uphold Zurich’s values of optimism, caring, and results orientation.

Q: What do you like about your job, and why is it a good fit for you?

What I appreciate most about my job is the variety and challenge it offers. Leading both sales and underwriting for the Programs team gives me the chance to use my creative thinking and technical expertise every day. I enjoy solving complex problems, developing new strategies, and working with talented colleagues who are eager to grow and innovate.

This role is a great fit for me because it aligns with my passion for collaboration, continuous learning, and driving positive change. I thrive in environments where I can help shape our portfolio, optimize sales approaches, and deliver tailored solutions that reflect Zurich’s commitment to reliability and a brighter future. It’s rewarding to see our work directly benefit customers and contribute to the team’s success.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working in Programs?

What I enjoy most about working in Programs is the complexity and collaboration it brings. One of the main differences I’ve noticed compared to retail Middle Market is how frequently we engage with our internal business partners. In Programs, we’re regularly working alongside colleagues from actuarial, claims, legal, IT, data, and operations to craft unique solutions tailored for each program.

This high level of collaboration not only makes the work more interesting and challenging, but also allows us to draw on a wide range of expertise within Zurich. I appreciate being part of a team that leverages diverse perspectives to develop innovative and reliable offerings for our customers. That spirit of partnership and problem-solving is what makes working in Programs especially rewarding for me.

Q: What was the best advice you were ever given?

The best advice I was ever given is to listen first. As leaders, it’s natural to want to jump in with solutions, but I’ve learned the real value comes from empowering people to think through an issue and find the answers themselves. When we give colleagues the space to solve challenges, it builds their confidence—a quality that grows stronger over time.

A mentor once told me that a leader should help build the road map, but not build it for others. Letting people learn by doing creates genuine empowerment and sets the stage for ongoing growth. It’s important to step in when needed, but just as important to step back and let employees take ownership. This approach not only builds confidence, but also encourages innovation and teamwork, which I believe are essential for success at Zurich.

Q: Your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Lately, when the workday ends, I’m off to a baseball game or practice for one of my boys, or running my daughter to cheer. Our evenings are often filled with supporting their activities, which I genuinely enjoy—it’s a great way to stay connected and unwind. When we do find some free time, we love to golf and play tennis together as a family. These moments allow us to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories, helping me return to work refreshed and energized.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is Italian beef from Portillo’s. It reminds me of home, and I was genuinely excited when they opened a Portillo’s in Dallas a few years ago. We go as a family a couple of times a year, and every visit immediately brings us back to those Chicago roots. It’s a simple tradition that makes us feel connected and lets us enjoy a little taste of home together.

Q: What’s your favorite thing you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. We enjoy being active together—whether it’s golfing, playing tennis, or cheering on my kids at their baseball games and practices. These moments not only bring us closer, but also help me recharge and maintain a healthy balance. Creating memories together and staying involved in their activities is something I truly value.

Q: What’s an item on your bucket list?

One item on my bucket list is playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. My kids aren’t quite old enough yet, but it’s something we’d love to experience together as a family someday. Sharing this iconic golfing tradition with them and creating those memories is something I truly look forward to in the future.