Chris Kakel
About Chris Kakel
Chris Kakel serves as Senior Vice President and Partner at Woodruff-Sawyer, where he leads the global risk management and casualty practices. He holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BA from Duke University, and has been recognized as a 'Power Broker' and 'Top 40 Under 40' by Risk and Insurance magazine.
Work at Woodruff-Sawyer
Chris Kakel serves as Senior Vice President and Partner at Woodruff-Sawyer & Co, a position he has held since 2014. In this role, he leads the global risk management and casualty practices in Denver. Kakel engages with the firm's largest and most complex clients to address their casualty risks. He offers analytics to support insurance purchasing decisions and provides strategic casualty advice, along with efficient insurance and risk financing program options. Additionally, he serves on Woodruff-Sawyer’s Board of Directors.
Education and Expertise
Chris Kakel holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business, where he studied Finance and Management from 2005 to 2008. He also earned a BA in History and Economics from Duke University, studying from 1997 to 2000. His expertise encompasses various areas, including workers’ compensation, general/products liability, auto liability, umbrella/excess liability, professional liability, captives, self-insurance, and collateral mitigation strategies. Kakel has experience across multiple industries, including healthcare, life sciences, transportation, technology, retail, manufacturing, professional service firms, and consumer products.
Previous Experience at Marsh
Before joining Woodruff-Sawyer, Chris Kakel worked at Marsh as Senior Vice President from 2000 to 2014. During his 14 years at Marsh, he developed a strong foundation in risk management and casualty practices, which he later applied in his current role. His experience at Marsh contributed to his understanding of complex client needs and the intricacies of the insurance marketplace.
Recognitions and Achievements
Chris Kakel has been recognized three times as a 'Power Broker' and as one of the 'Top 40 Under 40' by Risk and Insurance magazine. These accolades reflect his contributions to the field of risk management and his influence within the industry. His recognition highlights his commitment to providing strategic advice and effective solutions for clients.