Key Leadership Changes in the Insurance Industry - 2026 Update
Insurance Industry Updates: Key Leadership Changes and Appointments in Early 2026
The North American insurance sector is witnessing an array of strategic leadership changes involving new hires, promotions, and board appointments. These changes aim to enhance leadership, specialized expertise, and operational growth across various categories, including property and casualty, employee benefits, and risk management services.
CRC Group Enhances Specialty Division
CRC Group, a national wholesale specialty insurance distributor, has expanded its CRC Specialty division with key appointments. Erica Yampierre, Austin Martin, and Lily Howard join the team to strengthen professional lines capabilities and address complex client needs across the United States.
Erica Yampierre steps in as a broker in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing expertise in cyber insurance, errors & omissions coverage, and risk analysis. Austin Martin, also based in Atlanta, contributes over 20 years of experience in professional and cyber liability. Lily Howard from San Francisco will focus on casualty brokerage and specialize in account coordination and client services for intricate cases.
Specialty Program Group Expands Business Development Leadership
Travis Carpenter has been appointed vice president of business development at Specialty Program Group (SPG) LLC, focusing on its infrastructure programs division. Bringing over 25 years in the insurance industry, Carpenter will lead national sales, boost broker engagement, and strengthen carrier partnerships with offerings like builder's risk and excess habitational coverages.
Plasnomic Enhances Repair Standards Council
Mike Bundra, the auto technical claims director at Allstate Insurance Company, has joined Plasnomic's Plastic Repair Alliance Council. Bundra will use his extensive insurer knowledge to help develop industry standards for automotive plastic repairs, ensuring consistency and cost-effectiveness in repair practices.
Ames & Gough Elevates Key Personnel to Equity Partners
Ames & Gough has advanced Jessica Witherow and Justin Gough to equity partners, signifying a milestone in their leadership development. Witherow oversees small-market accounts in Washington, DC, while Justin Gough manages the Employee Benefits Practice in Charlotte, NC. Both individuals are crucial to the firm's expansion goals in the professional services insurance sector.
AmTrust Title Appoints Senior Vice President for Georgia Region
Seasoned professional Andi Stroud joins AmTrust Title Insurance Company as senior vice president and regional manager for Georgia. With over three decades in title insurance, Stroud will focus on enhancing agency partnerships and driving operational and revenue growth.
C3 Risk & Insurance Services Develops New Leadership Cohort
C3 Risk & Insurance Services has announced partner promotions for Mike Bialik, Lindsay Bonfiglio, Carrie Conejo, and Kelly Rulon, aiming to boost leadership development and diversity. These promotions are intended to enhance decision-making and expand operational input across the organization's functional areas.
5Star Life Insurance Names New Board Chair
Ronald R. Gendreau has been appointed as chair of the board of directors at 5Star Life Insurance Company, effective January 1, 2026. Since joining the board in 2013, Gendreau has brought extensive life insurance experience and will now help reinforce the company’s strategic growth and product development.
These strategic appointments within the insurance industry underscore the ongoing emphasis on leadership enhancement, specialized knowledge, and market growth objectives, pivotal for driving future success in the sector. These changes reflect a commitment to navigating complex regulatory compliance requirements and optimizing underwriting and claims processes.