Profile
“Being true to who we are is key; we are purely a referral-based business. There is zero marketing or advertising”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
Catherine Gill has a unique talent for blending a deep passion for innovation and science, along with a strategic mindset that produces superior results for Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers as CEO of LifeScienceRisk.
Gill’s degree in medical ethics from New York University provided an excellent roadmap for her successful career, and her underwriting talents became clear early in her tenure with LifeScienceRisk. The 20-year industry veteran quickly rose through the firm’s ranks, moving from senior underwriter to underwriter director, then to chief underwriting officer, and currently CEO.
“While I’ve certainly embraced opportunities as they came, my career has been guided by a clear intention, which remains to be the best I can be, to keep learning, to strive for excellence, and to lead with purpose. That mindset has helped me to continue to progress in my career and stay aligned with my values,” says the Hot 100 winner. Since stepping into the role as CEO three years ago, Gill has dedicated herself to continuous improvement, placing accountability as an essential feature of her day-to-day work. “As CEO, I am constantly learning. I am focused on building a strong culture, empowering others, and making decisions that position the company for long-term success. It is a role that I am honored to serve in every day.”
She adds, “To me, accountability means consistently showing up for clients, my team, and my colleagues. I am always ready to step in and do what is needed to get the job done. I have performed every role on my team, so I understand the challenges my teammates face and how to support them effectively.”
The life science casualty insurance sector is experiencing shifts driven by surplus capital, M&A activity, and sociopolitical factors. Gill remains agile, adapting as needed to deliver value to her clients.
“In an ever-evolving market, I’ve focused on staying proactive and responsive to client needs, helping them navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence,” she notes. “At the same time, I’ve remained committed to underwriting discipline, ensuring that solutions being offered are not only creative but also grounded in sound judgment and long-term sustainability.” Gill also balances the demands of her critical role with a commitment to family life.
“Family is one of my core values and remains a top priority. At the same time, how I show up for my team and the quality of work I deliver is of equal importance,” she says.
As a member of Ryan Specialty’s Employee Resource Group WOW! (Women. Opportunities. Winning.), Gill dedicates her time to providing skills development and mentorship to the next generation of female leaders.
“Beyond the business, I’m committed to lifting others as I grow in my career. I believe that when we support one another, we all succeed.”
She adds, “Creating space for others to thrive is just as important to me as driving results, and I see that as part of my long-term contribution to the industry.”
155 N Wacker Dr, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606
312 878 1320
catherine.gill@lsrisk.com
linkedin.com/in/catherine-gill-772a4b252
lsrisk.com
Catherine Gill
Chief Executive Officer LifeScienceRisk, a Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers Company
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day”
Adam Rakowski,
Ortus Financial
2012
2019
2022
2025
2024
Began her journey at LifeScienceRisk as a senior underwriter in October 2012, contributing to the foundational growth of the MGU
2012
Quickly rising through the ranks, she was appointed chief underwriting officer due to her deep expertise and strategic acumen in life sciences insurance
2019
Named CEO of LifeScienceRisk, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution that recognizes her leadership and vision
2022
Spearheaded a bold rebrand in July 2025, positioning LifeScienceRisk as a forward-thinking leader in the life sciences insurance space
Co-leads WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning!), Ryan Specialty’s employee resource group, demonstrating her commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive leadership across the industry, and has contributed to growing the group’s membership and executing activities that align with its mission
2025
Appointed as Brown & Riding's Executive Director of Specialty
2024
Milestones
Milestones
ELITE WOMEN 2024 JUDGE
“You can’t control the outcome, but you can always control what version of you turns up every day,” he says.
While at the helm of a rapidly growing business and a family that includes two young children at home, Rakowski has learned to manage what he calls a “never-ending list of commitments” that consists of a new team member each month, a new interstate office and two to three new referral partners monthly.
“Our business is a human business, so investing genuine time in every person can be draining on a personal level. Balancing it all is a challenge,” he says. “Simply put, do what you say you will do, and act at all times with honesty and integrity, being respectful and empathetic. The financial outcomes are a byproduct of the human interactions we have.”
Attracting, retaining and delivering exceptional client outcomes and service starts with a sincere interest in their journey and remaining relevant to them as their lives and needs evolve, notes Rakowski. He points out that he and his team put in most of the work upfront in building meaningful relationships, which is a testament to its 99% client retention rate.
He says, “We are clear in the types of clients we work best with and our value proposition. We also look for a cultural alignment with all of our referral partners, and we are acutely aware of our strengths and how different we are from our industry peers.”
Rakowski recently opened a Queensland business and plans a foot in every other capital city. He strives to establish the brokerage as a national business with on-the-ground representation in every state by the end of 2025.
lsrisk.com
linkedin.com/in/catherine-gill-772a4b252
catherine.gill@lsrisk.com
312 878 1320
155 N Wacker Dr, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60606