PLUS is pleased to announce the three individuals who’ve been awarded the 2022 Emerging Leader Award at the 35th annual PLUS Conference.

The PLUS Emerging Leader Award is given annually to young professionals who have excelled in their profession and in the industry, and exhibit the attributes and ability to become future leaders in their organization and the professional liability insurance industry.

Ayesha West – Head of Cyber Liability, Everest Insurance

West is Vice President and Global Head of U.S. Cyber Liability. Ayesha is responsible for the global Cyber Insurance portfolio including all aspects of the management, profitability, and underwriting of all direct global cyber insurance placed including the US book. Ayesha has been with Everest since January 2019, where she has kept Everest on the leading edge of innovation in coverage and services, as well as in harnessing the benefits of big data in risk selection, risk mitigation, and portfolio modeling. She is responsible for driving growth within the cyber and technology segment and managing the international underwriting team in her current role.

Drew Crocitto, RPLU – Account Executive, Travelers Insurance Company

Crocitto has been in the insurance industry since 2013. Currently, he is an Account Executive at Travelers Bond & Specialty Division underwriting Public Company Liability in the Northeast region. Previously, he worked as an Underwriter at Chubb Westchester underwriting Private and Non-Profit Management Liability. He also has held internships at Zurich North America from 2013-2015 focused on D&O underwriting for Private/Not-Profit Companies and Financial Institutions. He holds his RPLU designation and is an active member of both PLUS and The Bridge Transcends.

Nicole McAuley – Associate, FCL, LLP

McAuley’s practice focuses on employment litigation, human rights claims, professional liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability. She also advises clients on employment law issues relating to hiring, human rights, discipline, and termination, and has extensive experience drafting policies, procedures, employment agreements, and termination packages. Nicole has successfully represented clients in various levels of the courts in Ontario, including the Divisional Court, as well as in the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and several professional tribunals.

“This industry has many excellent emerging leaders ready to lead now and, in the future, and these professionals epitomize that,” Robbie Thompson, CEO of PLUS said. “We’re honored to announce these award winners and look forward to the amazing things they are going to accomplish in their roles, in the industry, and as volunteers with PLUS.”