Strategic Appointments in the Insurance Industry: September Update
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has introduced a strategic role in its national real estate division, naming Miranda Rodriguez as the program development leader. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Rodriguez will focus on advancing EPIC's real estate operations, emphasizing program design and strategic partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in real estate risk management, she has an impressive background with Willis Towers Watson’s residential segment and global risk management at Brookfield Asset Management.
Michael Golding of Allianz UK joins the Plasnomic Plastic Repair Alliance Council to help develop repair-first strategies in automotive plastic repair. With more than 38 years in motor accident repair and claims management, Golding's expertise will be pivotal in establishing new standards and practices. His current role at Allianz involves managing the insurer’s repair network, reflecting his commitment to innovation in claims and repair solutions.
Chubb has appointed Brent MacLean as the new division president of ESIS Inc., a Chubb subsidiary specializing in third-party administration. MacLean succeeds the retiring Jim Shevlin, bringing more than 20 years of experience in workers’ compensation, including a former CEO role at CompIQ Solutions. His new responsibilities include overseeing financial results and enhancing product development and client services.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has named Sara Walsh to lead the investor relations team, where she will oversee financial reporting and capital planning. With nearly two decades at Gallagher, Walsh also serves as treasurer and head of corporate finance. Her pivotal contributions to capital raising initiatives underscore her crucial position within the company.
Tim Dutchess has joined Burns & Wilcox as associate managing director, charged with expanding operations in Southern California. Dutchess, who brings over 15 years of expertise from Farmers Insurance, will focus on sales and marketing in this key growth region for the excess and surplus market.
AXA XL has appointed Greg Carnazza to head its construction property operations across the Americas. Carnazza will drive the enhancement of risk-transfer solutions and client service strategies. His previous role in leading underwriting efforts at AIG’s US Builders Risk sector complements his extensive experience in construction risk management.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has promoted three within its property team: Ryan Abelli and Chris Lemoine as co-heads of wholesale general property, while JP Ahlgren steps up as senior vice president of property. These promotions follow the retirement of Chris Dalby, bolstering BHSI’s property operations with seasoned underwriting expertise.
Vandana Venkat has been named president of Independence Pet Group (IPG) under Independence Pet Holdings (IPH), tasked with managing pet insurance and health services. With a robust career in insurance and finance, Venkat will spearhead underwriting, operations strategy, and data initiatives, enhancing IPH’s brand innovation and product accessibility.
Accelerant has welcomed Cliff Jenks and Ray Iardella to its senior team as general counsel and head of investor relations, respectively. Jenks will transition to his role upon Nancy Hasley's 2026 retirement, bringing over 20 years of experience in legal affairs and corporate governance. Iardella will utilize his extensive financial market knowledge to strengthen Accelerant's engagement with institutional investors and analysts.