Managing Director Corey Connelly and Associate General Counsel and Managing Director, Claims, Rose Kenerson joined the latest Financier Worldwide virtual roundtable to talk about their career journeys, their approaches to premium client service, and their outlooks for the RWI space going forward. Scroll for Rose’s and Corey’s full interviews.

Personal Biography 

Rose Kenerson is an associate general counsel and managing director of claims at Euclid Transactional in New York City. Prior to joining the team, she was a litigation associate at Paul Hastings LLP in the investigations and white-collar defence group. She has represented clients across many different industries in matters involving antitrust enforcement issues, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, consumer protection statutes, and other internal and government investigations. Ms Kenerson earned her BA from Barnard College of Columbia University and her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.

Representative Engagements

• Handled over 400 claims on RWI, tax insurance and contingent liability policies.
• Resolved claims across multiple jurisdictions, including North America, EMEA and APAC.
• Investigated claims involving breaches of multiple representations, including financial statements, tax, condition of assets and more.

Q&A with Rose Kenerson

What qualities and values do you believe are essential for building strong, trusting relationships with clients?

Key elements to an efficient claim resolution are a collaborative approach and a commitment to transparency. We want to get our arms around these complex claims as quickly as possible and are always open to engaging with the client as to how to obtain the necessary information in the most efficient way. And if there are challenges in the investigation of the claim, we feel it is incumbent upon us to be transparent about our questions and issues as the investigation progresses. Likewise, we find claims move to resolution much more quickly if clients come to the process willing to share information and engage on the substance of the claim from the get-go.

Are you actively involved in any programmes, initiatives or leadership roles within your organisation? How have these responsibilities enriched your career and professional growth?

Two aspects of my work come to mind with respect to leadership initiatives. First, I help to manage workflows within our claims team and have responsibility for the distribution of claims among the claims handlers and analysts. To offer the high-quality service our clients have come to expect, our team members need to be well-supported. My role requires that I keep tabs on everyone’s workload and through that I am able to help ensure everyone has the time and the resources they need to deliver. Second, I manage our internal ESG reporting and certain aspects of our pro bono and charitable initiatives. While often I am absorbed in the day-to-day challenges of managing complex representations and warranties insurance (RWI) claims, this part of my job reminds me of Euclid’s commitment to giving back to the community, which aligns with my own values.

Looking ahead, what are your predictions for this area of the market? What key developments are on the horizon?

Euclid has just experienced its two strongest quarters ever with respect to RWI submissions. With the continued penetration of transactional liability (TL) solutions into the market, we expect the claim count will continue to climb. Carriers will need to ensure they have the right expertise and sufficient staffing to handle the increased claim volume that follows from the increased deal counts. As a manager of our team’s workflow, I know that Euclid is committed to and capable of meeting that challenge. We welcome the opportunity to support our clients through their deals and look forward to the continued growth in the TL space.

Personal Biography

Corey Connelly is a managing director at Euclid Transactional. He was most recently at Troutman Pepper’s New York office where he was an associate in the M&A and general corporate practice group. Prior to Troutman, he was an associate at Ropes & Gray where he worked in the private equity transactions practice group. He received his JD from New York University School of Law and his BS from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Representative Engagements:

• Underwrote over 200 policies since joining Euclid in 2021 with enterprise values ranging between approximately $20m and $4bn in various industries, including sports, music, manufacturing, software, oil & gas, renewables, telecommunications and aviation.
• Underwrote cross-border transactions, including for target companies based in Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
• Excellent retention and repeat business with private equity firms, strategic buyers and law firms a result of a thorough yet efficient, solution driven underwriting process.

Q&A with Corey Connelly

Reflecting on your career journey, how have your goals evolved over time? Are there any new ambitions you are working toward?

Over the past five years, my career goals have evolved significantly. Initially, I focused on building a strong foundation in transactional representations and warranties underwriting, mastering the technical aspects of the role and developing core competencies. My aim was to become proficient in assessing risk, drafting policy language, running calls and collaborating effectively with brokers. More recently, my ambitions have shifted toward leadership. I am actively seeking opportunities to mentor junior underwriters, contribute to team strategy and take on increasingly complex and high-value transactions. I am also working toward expanding my knowledge of the broader insurance market and working on developing a deeper understanding of the financial and legal considerations that impact our business.

What qualities and values do you believe are essential for building strong, trusting relationships with clients?

Building strong, trusting relationships with brokers requires a foundation of consistency, efficiency and thoughtfulness. Maintaining a dependable process and keeping clients informed throughout the deal, addressing concerns and providing timely updates fosters transparency and builds confidence that the underwriter understands the issues and respects the flow of the deal process. Furthermore, a proactive and efficient approach to problem solving is essential. Quickly identifying and addressing potential issues, while remaining flexible in approach, shows competence and commitment. Each deal presents unique challenges, and the ability to tailor an approach to varied situations while maintaining a consistent standard of excellence is vital for building lasting relationships that enrich the working environment and enable innovation benefitting all parties.

How important is to you to support and mentor colleagues rising through the ranks? What general advice or guidance do you offer?

Supporting and mentoring colleagues as they rise through the ranks is not only a rewarding experience for me, but also vital for the continued growth and sustainability of our industry. I believe that fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and guidance creates a strong foundation for future leaders. I find great satisfaction in helping junior team members build confidence and competence in their roles, which ultimately benefits not only them but also the organisation and the industry as a whole. In my role as a mentor, I encourage younger colleagues to ask questions early and often. This proactive approach helps them clarify uncertainties and deepen their understanding of the complexities and grey areas in underwriting. I also stress the importance of reputation management. By instilling a sense of accountability and encouraging open communication, I aim to equip them with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in their careers.