DARLENE KASCHEL
Fairfield,CT
Summary
Accomplished FP&A Manager with 20+ years of experience supporting and serving as a trusted business partner to the US P&C team. Collaborating closely with the US P&C CEO, instrumental in strategy setting, identifying portfolio opportunities and risks, tracking key business initiatives, and managing operational deliverables. Known for a collaborative approach, possesses strong analytical skills, team-building capabilities, and influencing abilities. Exceptional at prioritizing and delivering results within time constraints, consistently achieves successful outcomes. With extensive knowledge of the insurance/reinsurance industry, made significant contributions to team dynamics and decision-making processes. Confident and committed to excellence, well-equipped to drive financial success for any organization.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President - Finance Manager US P&C
Swiss Re
07.2023 - Current
- Provide FP&A support to the US P&C CEO for $9B book which includes Regional, National and Global clients
- Deliver robust Plan and Projections, including challenging leadership on growth aspirations by offering fresh insights to steer the performance of the business
- Provide quality business analysis and KPI reporting to various stakeholders
- Deliver Renewal updates and analysis to P&C leadership as well as Board of Directors and Legal Entity Management Boards
- Drive active discussions on portfolio improvements through transaction and market reviews
- Analyze industry trends and competitor activities to facilitate management decision making
Vice President - Finance Manager US Regional
Swiss Re
07.2013 - 07.2023
- Support the Regional Market by working closely with the President of US P&C to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
- Drive active discussions on portfolio improvements for underperforming business segments
- Develop, manage and train new and existing staff to maximize operational efficiency and succession planning
- Responsible for cost management leading to overhead savings of 20%
- Lead the framework committee for the Finance Training and Development program.
Vice President - Finance Manager US Specialty
Swiss Re
04.2007 - 07.2013
- Support Ocean Marine Client Markets & Products as a center of expertise in all finance related activities
- Provide qualitative and timely projection updates throughout the year for business unit leaders on a GAAP and economic basis
- Establish and execute an effective annual planning process that delivers both Divisional and Management unit requirements
- Support DOO in cost containment objectives by providing monthly expense updates and analysis to ensure expense targets are met
- Represented FP&A in a successful rollout of a global finance platform
Senior Planning Analyst
Swiss Re
07.2005 - 04.2007
- Coordinated preparation and calculation of annual plan and projection processes for Canada
- Established credibility of FP&A and helped build value-added relationship throughout the division
- Provided interpretation of financial results to profit center
- Served as a resource for ad-hoc report generation, inquiries, and analysis.
Financial Analyst
XL Insurance
04.2004 - 07.2005
- Responsible for integration and reconciliation of quarterly results for U.S
- Insurance Segment
- Analyzed and developed financial commentary to support quarterly earnings announcements.
Senior Financial Analyst
Oxford Health Plans
02.1998 - 04.2001
- Prepared monthly financial reports for executive management and quarterly business forecasts to highlight variances and trends
- Assisted in development of long-range financial forecasts and related budgets.
Education
MBA - Finance
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT01.2001
BA - Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT01.1994
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Budget Forecasting
- Performance Analysis
- Financial Modeling
- Business Forecasting
Timeline
Vice President - Finance Manager US P&C
Swiss Re
07.2023 - Current
Vice President - Finance Manager US Regional
Swiss Re
07.2013 - 07.2023
Vice President - Finance Manager US Specialty
Swiss Re
04.2007 - 07.2013
Senior Planning Analyst
Swiss Re
07.2005 - 04.2007
Financial Analyst
XL Insurance
04.2004 - 07.2005
Senior Financial Analyst
Oxford Health Plans
02.1998 - 04.2001
MBA - Finance
Fairfield University
BA - Psychology
Southern Connecticut State University