Skip to main content
EDIT

Advisory Advisory Council Member Spotlight: Alan Pham

Advisory Advisory Council Member Spotlight: Alan Pham

A wide-ranging interview with Alan Pham, an Arkley Council member, USC alumnus, and deputy chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital.

by: Arkley Institute Staff
05.19.26
Alan Pham

Alan Pham, Arkley Council Member and Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer at Axis Capital

[Photo courtesy of Pham]

Stay Informed + Stay Connected

MARSHALL MONTHLY BRINGS YOU ESSENTIAL NEWS AND EVENTS FROM FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND ALUMNI.
SIGN UP

Technology may be rapidly shifting the professional landscape, but Alan Pham believes his USC education has prepared him for a changing world. According to the deputy chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital, the university’s mentorship and community support helped him and his classmates develop the professionalism needed to succeed in the dynamic insurance industry.

Pham, a member of the Arkley Institute for Risk Management Advisory Council, sat down for an extensive Q&A that touches on his USC experience, the future of the insurance industry, and how the rise of artificial intelligence impacts the future of his work.

Interviewer: How were you first introduced to the risk management and insurance industry?

Alan Pham: My first exposure to the idea of insurance as a career came during my time at USC, when I took Health Policy Management classes as part of my minor (my major was Economics). Later, during the spring recruiting fair in my senior year, several insurance companies were interviewing students along Trousdale Parkway. That’s where I landed my first role in the industry — as an underwriting trainee with The St. Paul Companies (now Travelers).

What has contributed most significantly to your personal success in the industry?

AP: It was truly a blend of personal initiative and the support of those who helped me along the way. One of the things I appreciate most about this program is its foundation in knowledge sharing. The individuals who were willing to share their expertise were the ones who had the greatest impact on my success. Throughout my career, there were people in the industry who generously took an interest in my development and offered guidance with no expectation of anything in return. They created an environment of inclusiveness and mentorship, driven by their genuine passion for the industry.

As a USC alumnus, how do you believe your USC education and experience have helped you in your career?

AP: I believe USC does an exceptional job of preparing students to become true professionals. Even as a student, you can feel the culture of professionalism and the drive for excellence. This is especially evident in the students I’ve met through the Arkley Institute. The environment USC fosters is reflected in the maturity and readiness its students bring to the table.

When I think back to my own time at USC, I don’t recall consciously believing I was more “professional” than students from other schools. But looking at it now, USC students consistently appear more prepared. That level of preparation signals to others that you’re ready to contribute. For me, that has been one of the greatest advantages in my career — the willingness and the ability to work not just harder, but smarter.

I believe USC does an exceptional job of preparing students to become true professionals.

— Alan Pham

Arkley Council Member / Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer, Axis Capital

We have seen significant growth in specialty insurance over the past decade. Do you expect that growth to continue? Why or why not?

AP: I believe we will continue to see significant growth in specialty insurance. As many know, Axis is a specialty underwriting company. We evolved into a specialty lines organization for many reasons, but one of the most important was differentiation. Standard carriers are large, established, and excellent at what they do. But with a highly skilled employee base, specialty underwriting allows you to carve out a niche and provide tailored solutions — competing at more than just price. Beyond competitive strategy, the demand for specialty products is increasing because our world is changing rapidly. Economic, environmental, and social shifts are creating new and more complex risks. As the landscape evolves, insurance must become more specialized to effectively meet those emerging needs.

You are the Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer in financial lines at a major specialty insurer. What are the qualities that define an effective underwriter?

AP: An underwriter needs a highly dynamic skill set — one that blends strong analytical ability with an entrepreneurial mindset. Effective underwriting requires evaluating each risk on its own merits while still keeping the broader portfolio in view. Some of the qualities I value most in an underwriter include attention to detail, a willingness to ask thoughtful questions, the ability to consider all relevant data points before making a decision, and the comfort to operate in “gray” areas, where answers are rarely black and white.

How do you think artificial intelligence will change the insurance industry?

AP: I recently read an interesting article noting that the service and software industries stand to gain the most efficiency from AI. Although insurance delivers tangible products, it is fundamentally a service-driven industry. I expect AI to create significant efficiencies in back‑office functions such as policy administration and claims handling. However, in areas where people cannot be replaced, I see AI enhancing human capability, making it easier for professionals to manage their portfolios, support clients, and ultimately drive top‑line growth. Personally, I hope AI will also help companies evaluate data more accurately and efficiently, leading to more consistent and stable pricing across the industry.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

AP: I am a huge lover of music. Whenever I’m not wrapped up in family responsibilities, I’m usually hunting for live shows to add to my calendar—sometimes even traveling for the right performance. My son is actually named after Damon Albarn, the lead singer of Gorillaz and Blur. We were inspired after seeing Blur perform at Wembley Stadium in 2022. Lately, my favorite sub‑genre has been Brighton (UK) alternative. It’s incredibly niche, but something about that city keeps producing bass‑heavy rock bands that have held my attention for nearly a decade. There’s just a unique energy in that scene that I can’t get enough of.

RELATED