Christopher J. Swift is chairman and CEO of The Hartford. He joined the insurer in 2010 as chief financial officer and was named CEO in 2014, leading a strategic refocusing on property-and-casualty insurance and employee benefits following the global financial crisis.
Since becoming CEO, Swift has overseen a series of acquisitions and divestitures, including the purchase of Aetna’s U.S. group life and disability business in 2017, and specialty insurer The Navigators Group in 2019. During that period, the company also exited its run-off life and annuity business. Swift said those moves were intended to concentrate the company’s operations in lines where it had established scale and underwriting expertise.
In 2025, Swift said The Hartford reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year results and completed a brand refresh tied to the company’s 215th anniversary. He also cited continued investment in technology, data and artificial intelligence, along with internal initiatives focused on employee training and leadership development.
Swift has been active in civic and community initiatives in Greater Hartford, including efforts to strengthen economic vitality in the city. In 2025, he convened a Vision Committee of corporate and community leaders focused on developing a long-term plan for Hartford.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
Adaptability has always mattered in business, but it is even more important today.
Tech and AI are accelerating the rate of change. A mindset of curiosity makes adaptability possible, and empathy connects it all. Empathy allows people to ask for help and feel confident they will be supported.
When adaptability, curiosity and empathy come together, leaders build workplaces that are resilient, innovative and grounded in trust.
What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
I did not grow up in Hartford, but I love this city. I witnessed incredible collaboration and commitment firsthand when I chaired the capital campaign for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Thanks to the community, the campaign exceeded its target. I was honored to be on hand at the ribbon cutting for the new center in the South End of Hartford.
It is on that foundation of connection and commitment that I am bringing together top business and community leaders in Greater Hartford to create a bold, enduring vision for our hometown.
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What is one change that would make Connecticut more competitive economically?
At The Hartford, we have a core belief that thriving cities are built through collaboration, investment and vision. I am convening a broad range of corporate and community leaders in Greater Hartford to craft a unifying vision and execution plan to transform the city into a more vibrant business, residential and cultural destination.
An economic revival in the City of Hartford requires everyone’s effort. We ask everyone to play an active role in this work, such as sharing ideas and opportunities that strengthen the fabric of our state capital.
Hartford’s future will be built by all of us investing our time, talent and collective energy in a stronger, more vibrant community.
Book Recommendation: “The Hundred-Year Marathon” by Michael Pillsbury; “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension” by Hanif Abdurraqib
Go-to news media outlets: CNBC, Bloomberg (radio and TV) and The Wall Street Journal
Favorite Podcast: “The Rest is History” by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook
Hobby or leisure activity: Golf has always been a favorite pastime, and my first job, outside of working at my parents’ shop, was as a golf caddy.
Outside The Hartford, I focus on my family, including my wife, Mary, our four children, and two young grandchildren. I also serve on boards where I believe I can contribute. For example, I joined the board of directors for Hartford HealthCare last year, focusing on affordability and access in health care.
Plus, I am on the board of trustees at Marquette, supporting resources that help students’ mental and physical health. I am a passionate supporter of Marquette Athletics, particularly its golf program.