Key Insurance Leadership Appointments Impacting Growth in 2026
Insurance Industry Leadership Appointments Announced
Starwind Specialty Insurance Services, Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), and Brown & Riding have recently announced significant leadership changes. These appointments will impact marine and energy underwriting, life and annuity sales, and wholesale property placement, aligning with their strategic goals in the insurance industry.
SPG Appoints New Chief Sales Officer
Todd Miles has joined SPG as the Chief Sales Officer for its Life & Annuity Division, starting on January 5, 2026. His role includes steering the sales strategy and collaborating with leaders to drive growth in SPG's life insurance sector. This appointment supports SPG's initiative to consolidate its life and annuity operations under AgencyONE, Brokers' Service Marketing Group (BSMG), and Business Underwriters Associates (BUA). Jason Lea, CEO of BSMG and the SPG division, highlighted that Miles brings extensive sales leadership and valuable industry connections. Miles will be based in Sarasota, Florida.
Brown & Riding Expands National Property Practice
Seth Fagan has joined Brown & Riding’s national property practice. Jeff Rodriguez, the President and CEO, emphasized Fagan's expertise in managing intricate property placements, highlighting his formidable relationships within the insurance market. Fagan's career spans over two decades in wholesale insurance, specializing in complex property risks, including commercial real estate, condominium associations, multifamily apartments, challenging manufacturing accounts, and earthquake coverage in high-risk seismic zones.
Starwind Specialty Insurance Developments
Starwind Specialty Insurance Services, part of CRC Group, has announced leadership changes within its Starwind Marine and Energy unit, effective January 1, 2026. These updates come after the brand launched in October. As part of a strategic consolidation of JH Blades, Blades Marine, Southern Marine, and Energy Technical Underwriters (ETU), David Manion has been appointed as the Chairman of the Starwind Marine division. Manion's role will involve providing strategic direction and reinforcing underwriting standards.
Moreover, Alex Porter has been promoted to Head of Hull and Marine Liabilities, managing operations previously part of Blades Marine. Chester Rose has been elevated to Head of Cargo and Stock Throughput, overseeing areas formerly under Southern Marine. Graham Jenks, President of Starwind Marine and Energy, stated that these leadership appointments reflect the division's strong leadership and commitment to service excellence, ensuring ongoing growth across their operations.