Laura Bates

Laura Bates is a Vice President at Burns & Wilcox. In her role, she is responsible for the growth, profitability and management of commercial binding authority programs. She also oversees the underwriting audit process of local offices and assists in the development of new products and programs.

Since joining the company in 2015, she has successfully managed and mentored a team of underwriting associates for the Special Risk Division. Her expertise is rooted in developing and supervising the execution of underwriting guidelines, rates and forms.

Prior to her career at Burns & Wilcox, Laura was an Underwriting Manager at Canopius US Insurance. With over 30 years in the insurance industry, she has worked for other notable companies including Commercial Union Assurance, State Farm Insurance and Omega US Insurance.

She is involved in the company’s Women’s Leadership Council, a group of leaders dedicated to diversity and inclusion efforts. She is also a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

In 2018, Laura was recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Finance as well as Insurance Business America’s Elite Women.

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Open University in London, along with an ACII designation from the Chartered Insurance Institute of London and an Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) designation.