Executive Changes at Major Insurance Firms Signal Industry Growth
United Risk, located in New York City, has expanded its executive team. Hayden Smith has been elevated to the role of CEO globally. Previously, Smith excelled in roles such as vice president of M&A at Enstar Group and led Ceded Reinsurance with StarStone. Andrew Lucas is now the company’s general counsel, while Gregg Holtmeier and Patrick Watson have been appointed as chief commercial officer and chief operating officer, respectively.
Howden, a global insurance broker headquartered in Miami, Florida, has named Chris Aries as general counsel for its U.S. retail broking and advisory division. Aries recently held a strategic leadership role at Aon Global Specialties. Joining Aries is Elizabeth Neumann as executive vice president, proficient in managing financial lines claims, transitioning from her previous position at CAC Specialty.
Marsh McLennan, based in New York City, has designated Mike Mathews as the leader for its global digital infrastructure efforts. Mathews joined Marsh McLennan’s brokerage and risk advisory branch in 2020, enhancing their digital capabilities. Alliant Insurance Services in Irvine, California, has appointed Bryan Feitel as a vice president within its employee benefits group, underscoring their commitment to employee welfare.
Demex, headquartered in New York City, has promoted Michael Anderson to CEO after four years as chief growth officer. The company also named Matthew Coleman as president, overseeing reinsurance operations, and Charlie Eadie as the new chief growth officer, ensuring robust business expansion. At AXA XL in New York City, Matthew Stitham has been promoted to chief underwriting officer, casualty for the Americas, in a strategic move to bolster risk management strategies.
H.W. Kaufman Group, based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has announced several promotions within its executive and North American teams, including Christine Tricoli as group chief HR officer and executive vice president and David Janis as group general counsel and senior vice president. Similarly, Penn National Insurance, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, appointed Robert Brandon as CEO. John Foster steps in as president and will join the board of directors, set to succeed Brandon as CEO upon his retirement.
The financial growth of Patriot Growth Insurance Services in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, is reinforced with the appointment of Daryl Siry as chief operating officer. NFP in New York City has named Adam Favale as executive vice president and head of mergers and acquisitions, showcasing over a decade of loyalty and experience within the company. Meanwhile, Jencap Group LLC, headquartered in New York City, has enlisted John Michael “JM” Edge to manage its property and casualty binding team across multiple locations, including Atlanta and Denver.