Yale School of Management - Claire M. Burns '96

"I valued my liberal arts education but realized it hadn't given me all the tools I needed to succeed in the business world. My colleagues with MBAs knew much more about the core drivers of the business. Attending SOM was among the best decisions I've made. My professors and colleagues taught me a great deal about the fundamentals–finance, accounting, marketing and strategy–and about leadership and the tremendous value of diverse perspectives. All of these lessons I carry with me today."

Claire Burns is senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Alico, a $37 billion global subsidiary of AIG operating in 55 countries. In this role, Claire oversees Alico's global strategy, M&A, divestiture, strategic intelligence, investor relations, and corporate communications functions. She played a lead role in the divestiture of Alico from AIG, helping the company evaluate and execute strategic options resulting in the eventual sale of Alico to MetLife.

Previously, Claire served as vice president, strategic operations for AIG Worldwide Life Insurance where she led strategic growth and transformation initiatives across AIG's global platform. Prior to that, she was vice president of strategic planning and development for Prudential Retirement, overseeing strategy, M&A, communications and government affairs.

Before joining Prudential, Claire was head of strategy and integration for Lincoln Financial Group's Employer Markets division where she led development of the company's retirement income strategy. Prior to Lincoln, Claire spent eight years consulting for Aetna's Health and International business units. She also held positions in communications and publicity for Columbia Motion Pictures and U.S. Senator John McCain.

Claire received her master's degree in business administration from Yale University and earned a bachelor of arts in government and international relations from Wesleyan University. She lives in Fairfield, Connecticut, with her husband and two children.