Howden Re Inspire: Meet Elise Rittenhouse

In our new Howden Re Inspire series, we are proud to showcase our amazing team.

It’s important to us that the businesses and divisions within Howden Re reflect and contribute to the culture that we at Howden are so proud of. We are a global business with an entrepreneurial mindset, and we put our people first in everything we do. We value independent thinkers, celebrate different perspectives and experiences, and strive to make Howden a great place to work.

Our collaborative approach and collective power make us an industry leader, but it’s our people who make it possible! Whether they’re forging a unique path in or outside business, leading the way on community impact, giving back, or D&I initiatives, or demonstrating what it takes to make a difference, we are proud to introduce you to our team.

Be Inspired by: Elise Rittenhouse, Executive Administrator, Howden Re

Elise Rittenhouse is based in New York City as an executive administrator and takes the lead in managing Howden Re’s US office expansions and New York office community projects. Beginning her career with the business as a receptionist seven years ago, Elise is now an executive administrator for Howden Re’s senior leadership.

“I love that the culture at Howden Re encourages employees to take on more responsibility and step out of their comfort zones without judgement,” says Elise. “People recognise someone who works hard and is smart and willing to rise to the occasion to take on new projects and initiatives. It’s never been a pigeonhole situation for me; Howden Re is a place where you can grow and learn more about who you are and what you like to do.”

In addition to supporting senior leadership, Elise managed the build out of new floors in the New York office, and has since been involved in the development, expansion and branding of Howden Re offices in Stamford, Minneapolis. She also helps to organise team building and educational events including Howden University, the annual week-long conference for Howden Re employees and clients new to the reinsurance business, as well as education and development programs for the broking team and office socials.

Elise is a member of the Howden Re Community Impact Committee and coordinates community and giving back events for the New York office. These have included volunteer days with the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club and a Cycle for Survival fundraiser to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

”As well as benefiting cancer research, Cycle for Survival allowed all of us who took part to see a new perspective. The ride was four hours long and included multiple rides broken up with speakers sharing their own or their loved ones’ experiences of cancer.

“I was already familiar with Cycle for Survival as one of my husband’s really good friends passed away from adrenal cancer at 27 years old,” said Elise. “It was incredibly impactful for me and my colleagues to hear firsthand about where the money raised goes and how it has a real-life impact on helping people.”

This year, Elise plans to help host another Cycle for Survival along with multiple other events that are focused on using Howden Re resources to make as much positive change as possible happen in local communities.

“I think it’s really important to step out of your normal weekly routine and take time to learn more about the world around you and to give back to your community,” said Elise. “It gives you a bigger perspective of the world and you can help make it a better place.”

Howden Re employees can access the Group Giving portal here: Login | Group Giving

Do you have a charity or fundraiser that you’d like Howden to get involved in? Get in touch here.