Christopher J. Swift, Bus Ad ’83, was elected to the Marquette University Board of Trustees in 2017.

He is chairman and CEO of The Hartford, a national leader in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and mutual funds. Named CEO in 2014, he was the driving force in the company’s transformation, resulting in a more focused, disciplined leader in property and casualty, group benefits and mutual funds. He expanded the company’s capabilities and geographic reach through organic growth and strategic investments, including the purchase of Aetna’s U.S. group life and disability business in 2017 and The Navigators Group Inc., a specialty lines property and casualty business, in 2019. He also completed the company’s exit from the runoff life and annuity business, providing greater financial flexibility and improving The Hartford’s return on equity and earnings growth profile.

In 2025, The Hartford was named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies^® for the 16th time, as designated by Ethisphere.

Swift is at the forefront of CEOs encouraging employers to increase awareness about mental health and dispel stigma in the workplace. Within the insurance industry and the business community more broadly, he advises business leaders to commit to improving mental health at work, create stigma-free workplaces, and lead with empathy. He has appeared on CNBC and Bloomberg Television on several occasions.

As The Hartford’s CEO, Swift is proud of our company’s legacy of making a positive impact in our communities. He is strongly connected to the neighborhoods and businesses throughout our hometown. As a vocal advocate among the business community, he champions the City of Hartford’s revitalization and our company’s initiatives that advance equal economic, educational and workplace opportunities for our neighbors.

In addition to his work at The Hartford, he is committed to making an impact on important issues, serving on many boards where he can make a difference. He serves on the board of directors for Citizens Financial Group, Inc., Hartford HealthCare, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. He also is a member of the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, Council on Foreign Relations, and The Geneva Association.

Swift joined The Hartford in March 2010 as executive vice president and chief financial officer. In that position, he played a central role in the company’s strategic transformation to focus on the property & casualty, employee benefits, and mutual funds businesses. He was also instrumental in strengthening the balance sheet through the sale of its individual life and retirement plans businesses and reducing debt.

Previously, Swift held senior leadership and finance roles at American International Group (AIG). He began his career as a certified public accountant at KPMG LLP focused on financial services and was eventually appointed head of the Global Insurance Industry Practice.

In 2025, he and his wife, Mary, received Marquette’s Alumni of the Year Award. He is a member of the Marquette University Archbishop Henni Founders Society and the Marquette University President’s Society.