A 100-year legacy of looking forward

Since 1919, we’ve expanded our global reach to establish relationships with influential government and business leaders. Our clients can leverage these prominent connections to advance their own operations throughout the world, particularly in complex markets like China.

1919

Founding the American Asiatic Underwriters Shanghai, China

In 1919, Cornelius Vander Starr arrived in Shanghai and founded American Asiatic Underwriters, the first American-owned insurance enterprise in China, which expanded throughout the country within a few years.

Next Milestone

1922

Visiting a Potential Customer in Wuxi Hills

In 1922, C.V. Starr visits an old Chinese temple in the Wuxi Hills and visits with a potential customer. It was said of Mr. Starr that he was "very quiet, unassuming, but very forceful. He could sell anybody anything."

Next Milestone

1924

The American Asiatic Underwriters Celebrate Fourth of July

Staff of the American Asiatic Underwriters poses for a group portrait at Wuxi, China, where they celebrated the Fourth of July, 1924. Starr, in dark suit, is left of center.

Next Milestone

1927

The American Asiatic Underwriters Headquarters

17 The Bund, Shanghai. The North China Daily News building became American Asiatic Underwriters headquarters in 1927.

Next Milestone

1928

Accounting Office at The Bund

The American Asiatic Underwriters accounting office at 17 The Bund.

Next Milestone

1949

En Route to Havana

Cornelius Vander Starr (right) waves goodbye from LaGuardia Field in 1949 en route to Havana, Cuba, which had become Starr’s Latin American regional headquarters in 1940.

Next Milestone

1956

A Trip to Mexico City

C.V. Starr (center) addresses a group of fifty La Interamericana agents during a 1956 trip to Mexico City. Unit supervisor F. Salines stands at left while production manager Fernando Bracho listens on the right.

Next Milestone

1967

Celebrating Mr. Starr's 75th Birthday

Maurice R. Greenberg, President of American Home Assurance Company (left), and Cornelius V. Starr, founder of the original Starr Insurance, celebrate Mr. Starr's 75th birthday in October 1967.

Next Milestone

1968

Mr. Starr Appoints Mr. Greenberg as His Successor

American Asiatic Underwriters board meeting in Bermuda. Mr. Starr announced his retirement and named Mr. Greenberg his successor on August 15, 1968.

Next Milestone

1989

Meeting Deng Xiaoping

Maurice R. Greenberg meeting Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China from 1978 until his retirement in 1989.

Next Milestone

1993

Meeting Jiang Zemin

Maurice R. Greenberg with Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003.

Next Milestone

1998

Reopening of 17 The Bund

Maurice R. Greenberg at the grand reopening ceremony of 17 The Bund.

Next Milestone

1998

Meeting with Zhu Ronji

Maurice R. Greenberg with Zhu Ronji, former mayor of Shanghai from 1988 to 1991 and Premier of the People’s Republic of China from 1998 to 2003.

Next Milestone

2003

Meeting with Wen Jiabao

Maurice R. Greenberg with Wen Jiabao, the sixth Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.

Next Milestone

2011

Assist Card Acquisition

Starr Insurance acquires Assist Card in 2011, the largest travel assistance organization in the world.

Next Milestone

2011

Meeting with Hu Jintao

Maurice R. Greenberg with Hu Jintao, President of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2012 and Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 2004 to 2012.

Next Milestone

2012

Japan Branch Opening

Rice Wine Cask-Opening Ceremony for the Starr Insurance Japan branch opening.

Next Milestone

2015

Meeting with Xi Jinping and Qian Yingyi

Maurice R. Greenberg with Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Qian Yingyi Dean, School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University.

Next Milestone

2018

Crain Lifetime Achievement Award

Maurice R. Greenberg, Chairman, receives the Crain Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding accomplishments in the insurance and risk management sector.

Next Milestone

2018

The Official Commercial Insurance Company of the New York Yankees

Starr Insurance named The Official Commercial Insurance Company of the New York Yankees. Bryan Calka, Vice President, and Russell “Bucky” Dent, former Shortstop, both of the New York Yankees present Maurice R. Greenberg with a customized jersey.

Next Milestone

2019

Mr. Greenberg Awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal

Maurice R. Greenberg was awarded the China Reform Friendship Medal by President Xi Jinping. Greenberg was recognized for his role in helping China's economy open up to the world. He was one of only two Americans among ten foreign leaders recognized with this honor.

Watch Now

1919

1922

1924

1927

1928

1949

1956

1967

1968

1989

1993

1998

2003

2011

2012

2015

2018

2019