Nationwide and Other Insurers Innovate Leadership and Products
Nationwide Securities Appoints New Leader
Nationwide's Investment Management Group has named Tammara Flagler as the leader of Nationwide Securities, the firm's retail broker-dealer and investment advisor unit. Flagler will spearhead investment and advisory solutions for both direct consumers and business partnerships, reporting to Joseph Aniano, head of Nationwide's Investment Management Group.
With over two decades in financial services, Flagler has excelled in securities-backed lending sales at Nationwide, achieving impressive figures. Aniano praised her ability to construct effective teams and deliver significant results, underscoring her suitability for the role.
Beazley Enhances Digital Follow Underwriting
Beazley has introduced the role of head of digital follow underwriting, appointing Nat Cross to lead. Reporting to Will Roscoe, head of portfolio underwriting, Cross will focus on developing and managing algorithmic and digital distribution channels, emphasizing broker digital trading and intermediary exchanges.
Previously, Cross spearheaded Beazley's Ki Digital Services partnership. Roscoe remarked this initiative is a natural next step as Beazley aims to enhance its competitive edge in algorithm-driven underwriting.
Chubb Expands Leadership in Overseas Markets
Chubb has appointed John DePeters as executive vice president and head of commercial insurance and specialty for Chubb Overseas General Insurance, based in London. DePeters will oversee international portfolio performance, focusing on middle market, small commercial, and specialty lines.
With over 13 years at Chubb, DePeters has significant expertise, having served as chief underwriting officer for North America's sectors. His experience aligns with Chubb's strategic objectives for growth and risk management.
Amica Mutual Announces Leadership Transition
Amica Mutual Insurance Company has announced Ted Murphy, senior executive vice president and chief operations officer, plans to retire by the end of 2025. Sam Palmisano will succeed him as chief operations officer. Currently, Palmisano is senior vice president and chief human resources officer.
Ted Shallcross, Amica's president and CEO, acknowledged Murphy's contributions over his 45-year tenure and expressed confidence in the upcoming leadership changes.
Finys and ManageMy Collaborate on Digital Experience Integration
Finys, a provider of insurance software, has partnered with ManageMy to enhance digital experience delivery for carriers during core system modernization. This strategic collaboration enables carriers to integrate ManageMy's platform into the Finys Suite for cohesive digital interfaces across quoting, onboarding, service, and claims operations.
Josh Hall, ManageMy's head of sales, noted the partnership's potential to accelerate modernization efforts and improve insurer compliance with regulatory requirements.
XPT Specialty Strengthens Commercial Lines Division
XPT Specialty has appointed Liam Sole as associate vice president and senior underwriter in its commercial lines division. With over 11 years of experience in the excess and surplus lines market, Sole will focus on property and casualty risks on the East Coast, specializing in sectors such as habitational and construction.
Gregg Guerreiro, Regional EVP, highlighted Sole's extensive underwriting expertise, which will enhance XPT's capabilities in risk management and underwriting.
Equisoft Integrates AI Models for Enhanced Insurance Solutions
Equisoft, a global digital solutions provider, has integrated Anthropic's Claude AI models into its life insurance platforms to enhance policy administration modernization. This integration provides insurers with advanced AI capabilities, streamlining operations worldwide.
Brian Carey, Vice President of insurance solutions at Equisoft, emphasized the benefits of AI in meeting modern regulatory compliance and operational efficiency goals.
Zurich North America Launches Specialized Builders Risk Product
Zurich North America has launched Data Center Project Guard, a specialized Builders Risk insurance product for hyperscale, AI-driven data center construction. This product extends standard coverage with 12 months of operational property insurance, parametric weather coverage, and climate control failure protection.
Having insured over 250 data center projects across 20 states, Zurich reinforces its commitment to addressing unique construction risks and supporting infrastructure development at an unprecedented pace.
ZestyAI Partners with TruStage for Property Analytics
ZestyAI has agreed to supply TruStage with advanced property analytics models such as Z-HAIL™, Z-FIRE™, and Z-PROPERTY™, enhancing commercial property underwriting. These models, using AI, assess risks and provide insights for more precise pricing.
This collaboration also aims to meet new wildfire mitigation regulatory requirements, providing detailed property-specific intelligence for compliance and risk management.