How veterans apply their valuable skills at AIG

Two decades of military service in the U.S. Marines taught AIG’s Chris Bumgardner valuable and life-long lessons on leadership, strategic planning and integrity. In his role as Global Head of Marine Claims, Chris applies that learn-it-all mindset every day as he leads a team that offers best-in-class global claims service.

In the military, Chris went around the world, with assignments ranging from patrolling the Euphrates River while embedded with an Iraqi battalion, to leading joint training exercises with the Colombian military, to securing embassies and consulates in Northwest Africa and Eastern Europe.

Chris served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer, becoming a Major before transferring to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He joined AIG in 2023, drawn by the opportunity to learn about AIG and how our clients shape the global economy.

“It was an opportunity to really learn it all across different sectors of the economy and be challenged,” says Chris, who is based in Louisville, Tennessee. “It's an incredible responsibility to ensure that we adjust our policies and adjust claims, and you learn something every day.”

Global perspective, global solutions

Chris developed his love of learning – and teaching – in the military. While stationed in Colombia, he ran a training program that taught the Colombian military about the operational and logistical experiences of the U.S. Marines. He also led 90 officers through field training, including platoon-size urban assaults. Afterwards, they reflected on whether they accomplished their mission, reviewed tactics and tied them back to core principles.

Chris brings this same purpose-driven attitude and continuous improvement approach to managing his AIG team, which handles claims, investigates losses, determines coverage and claims amounts, and manages the claims-resolution processes for marine insurance clients. He is driven by accomplishing the team’s mission – delivering on AIG’s promise to clients.

“We prioritize best-in-class claims service and keep that front and foremost for our adjusters,” Chris says.

A core strength is the team’s global coverage. No two days are alike. Marine insurance is designed to cover the transportation of goods by ocean or by land. With international trade continually expanding, maritime businesses are increasingly exposed to new risks and potential losses due to weather events, cargo theft, equipment damage, and more.

Industries with businesses that may need marine insurance include just about any that ship goods—technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, retail, food and beverage, energy and more to name a few.

“There could be a gold heist in Canada, cargo overboard, a fire in a warehouse or a flood -- It’s never a dull day,” Chris says.

A member of AIG’s Veterans & Allies Employee Resource Group (ERG), Chris is committed to helping his colleagues understand the value that military experience can bring to the business – and to sharing the benefits of an AIG career with other veterans.

“You can do this,” Chris says on the advice he offers to fellow veterans. “At AIG, you can lead with purpose and make a difference.” 

AIG is committed to hiring and supporting veterans, military personnel and their families, valuing the distinctive skills and perspectives they bring to the workplace. We invite you to learn more about a career at AIG and explore open roles.

American International Group, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates are committed to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and its policies and procedures reflect this commitment. We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected categories such as sexual orientation. At AIG, we believe that a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity is critical to our future and our mission—creating a foundation for a creative workplace that leads to innovation, growth, and profitability. Through a wide variety of programs and initiatives, we invest in each employee, seeking to ensure that our people are not only respected as individuals, but also truly valued for their unique perspectives.