ACE USA Reviews

Pros

Broad scope from writing many lines of business and doing so globally means good opportunities and a healthy financial outlook.
Generally co-workers and management are of high quality, i.e., intelligent, hard-working, decent, personable
Exec management is savvy and aggressive.

Cons

Expectations are high and management keeps a tight rein on expenses (which is overall good) but, in at least some disciplines, employees have too much work. I am used to working long hours in my management position and feel like I am barely keeping up.

Pros

ACE has some very talented people. Most are willing to help you and impart their knowledge. This is a great place to learn whether you are just out of college or a seasoned insurance professional. Strong performance is recognized, but you have to push hard to turn “recognition” into something meaningful ($$).

Cons

Depending on the business unit, job frustration can be high. IT is probably a little behind the competition. Processes are cumbersome. “Disciplined” underwriting philosophy is sometimes little more than just a small appetite for risk. Serious atmosphere.

Advice to Senior Management

Stay engaged with those in the trenches. Demonstrate that you understand each region’s unique challenges. Encourage greater cooperation among business units.

Pros

Financially stable company with good overall compensation and benefits

Cons

Understaffing is the norm; 12 hr days is not unusual

Advice to Senior Management

Hire more people with 10+ experience , in the long run return on investment will be greater than hiring less experienced individuals for less salary.

Pros

Good benefits. Solid financial strength.

Cons

Skimpy bonuses or merit increases.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus on communication.

Pros

You are able to take off when needed without retribution.
You will have an opportunity to forge relationships with some of the personnel.

Cons

Too many of the staff are just not competent.
People are in positions in which they have had no formal training and it shows.
If you are accustomed to carrying out your responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner, forget you even thought way.
This has to be one the worst "large" insurance companies with regards to technology. I'd actually seen a woman doing the bulk of her job by trying to reconcile items on "green bar" paper.
You will work more than your scheduled hours. Unfortunately, too many of your teammates didn't get that memo and you are left to do their unfinished or hack job.
Questionable ethics!!!

Advice to Senior Management

They won't listen, come on it has been headed by a Greenberg.

Pros

ACE provides an excellent benefits package.

Cons

Management has difficulty understanding internal issues within departments - prefering to point a finger rather than provide support to resolve problems and move on.

Advice to Senior Management

Dig down deep into all your operations (ESIS) as there may a house of cards about to collapse.

Pros

Flexible work, great group of people to work with. Benefits are competitive. Starting salary was good but had to stand my ground to negotiate.

Cons

The business model doesn't fully utilize the talents and expertise that are available. Generally dept. mgrs are good with exception of the Risk Mgt. underwriting who is over controlling. The Office executive is an ex marine and has too much in his blood.

Advice to Senior Management

Take advantage of the talent that is being offered. Listen to others. Your way may not always be the best way.

Pros

International aspect; highly skilled people globally

Cons

Senior Management not always grounded

Pros

Great benefit package, average to above average pay scale

Cons

Upper management was not willing to listen or understand needs of unit which created extra stress on staff. Expectations were unrealistic and no support was provided.

Pros

Professional work environment. Management is level headed and responsive. Pretty good benefits package. Company has had consistent good performance over the years and is recognized as a market leader among its peers.

Cons

Not much social interaction across groups for middle or lower level staff. Doesn't have enough opportunities for cross polination. No well defined employee development plan, except for actuaries. Room for improvement in IT systems and technology integration.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus more on innovation and research to discover and lead in new opportunities/directions. Continue focus on technology integration and employee development.