35 - Exploring Claims, Employee Benefits, and Timeshare Innovations
From Liability to Leisure: Cade Williams on Claims Strategy in the Timeshare Industry
In this episode of The Claim Hunter podcast, host Chris Tidball interviews Cade Williams, Assistant Vice President of Risk Management–Claims at Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Together, they unpack the unique claims landscape of the global timeshare industry—from catastrophic wildfires to everyday property damage—and how Marriott’s risk management team navigates it all with strategy, adaptability, and empathy. Cade also shares career insights and operational strategies that are especially relevant for claims professionals working in hospitality and travel.
Claims, Captives, and Career Growth in Hospitality Risk Management
The conversation opens with a personal anecdote about Cade’s record-breaking golf drive—an icebreaker that sets the tone for a grounded and engaging discussion about claims, career evolution, and the role of insurance within Marriott’s expansive timeshare operations. Cade draws a clear distinction between Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Marriott International, noting that the former specializes in vacation ownership across 120+ resorts around the globe. He also highlights the company’s evolution toward a points-based model that aligns with the preferences of modern travelers.
From a career perspective, Cade shares how an early spark during an insurance class led him to adjuster roles in trucking liability before moving into hospitality claims. At Marriott, he has worked his way from adjuster to senior management—ultimately helping build out the claims function at Marriott Vacations Worldwide. His story showcases the upward mobility possible within enterprise risk organizations.
Cade details the nature of claims he handles—from service interruptions due to natural disasters, like the Maui wildfires, to rare but tragic events that require thoughtful, coordinated response. He discusses the company’s captive insurance structure, which supports their primary coverage and allows for greater control and responsiveness in large-scale claims. He also reflects on employee benefits like discounted resort stays, which have personal meaning for him, including a honeymoon stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Maui.
About Cade Williams
Cade Williams is the Assistant Vice President, Risk Management–Claims at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he oversees claims operations across a global network of resorts. With deep experience in both liability and property claims, Cade brings strategic insight to hospitality risk management.
About Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Marriott Vacations Worldwide is a global leader in vacation ownership and exchange, with over 120 resorts and a flexible points-based system. The company offers high-quality experiences through its family of brands while maintaining a strong commitment to guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Conclusion
This episode offers a unique look into the claims challenges and innovations within the hospitality and vacation ownership sector. Cade Williams brings a thoughtful perspective on how timeshare operations handle risk, respond to crises like wildfires, and leverage insurance structures to stay agile and guest-focused. His career journey—from aspiring adjuster to claims executive—offers inspiration for professionals looking to grow in a fast-evolving industry.
Key Episode Highlights
Claims in the timeshare space involve a blend of guest liability and resort property risk
Captive insurance structures offer Marriott greater control and efficiency in claims handling
Career growth in insurance can start from any entry point, including trucking liability adjusting
Natural disaster response requires both operational readiness and human-centered support
Employee travel perks can make a personal difference—like Cade’s honeymoon at the Ritz in Maui
To learn more about strategic claims handling and risk management in hospitality, visit ChrisTidball.com. If you’re a leader with insights to share, apply to be featured on The Claim Hunter podcast.
