Key Leadership Changes in U.S. Insurance Companies Enhance Underwriting and Operations
The insurance industry has seen numerous key leadership appointments and promotions across various U.S. companies, reflecting strategic developments and growth priorities in underwriting, operations, and claims management. Zurich North America appointed Tobias "Toby" Cushing as deputy chief underwriting officer, enhancing oversight across multiple lines including property, casualty, specialty, excess and surplus, and crop insurance. Cushing’s background includes tenure at The Hartford and legal expertise in insurance coverage transactions, positioning him to support Zurich's underwriting initiatives from their New York City office.
Everest Insurance named Joe Fobert head of U.S. retail casualty and industry practices. With over 30 years in commercial underwriting, including leadership roles at Chubb and AIG, Fobert’s experience is expected to fortify Everest’s casualty operations. Meanwhile, Plymouth Rock Home Assurance Corporation appointed Kevin Zygmunt as chief operating officer, who will direct marketing, underwriting, service, and claims for their home insurance group, building upon his prior roles at EverQuote and Boston Consulting Group.
JM Wilson in Michigan expanded its underwriting leadership with several promotions: Natalie Staruch and Devan Dodd advanced to executive property and casualty underwriters, strengthening regional commercial risk underwriting. Additional elevation of Jim Ladik and re-hiring of Phil Snyder-Knutson as senior underwriters aim to enhance JM Wilson’s underwriting capabilities across multiple states, including Michigan, Texas, and Minnesota.
Huntington Insurance recruited Kathy Weaver as senior director of property and casualty, bringing leadership experience from Aon, focusing on expanding P&C market presence in the Midwest. World Insurance Associates created a new leadership role, appointing Katie Scheuer as division revenue leader for the Great Lakes, emphasizing growth initiatives with her prior experience in sales and regional leadership.
CRU Group appointed Catherine Sutton as vice president for the U.S. Southwest region, bringing expertise in forensic engineering and claims management to support their loss adjusting and claims services across North America. Brown & Riding, specializing in environmental insurance, expanded leadership with Robert Conyers Jr. leading their environmental practice, leveraging his industry tenure and principal status at the firm.
Mangrove Property Insurance Company made several executive appointments including Tim Cotton as COO, Chris August as head of distribution, Allan Franklin as CFO and treasurer, Eduardo Miranda as senior vice president for risk, underwriting and analytics, and Brian Turnau as claims director. These moves underscore Mangrove’s strategic focus on Florida’s property market and operational scalability.
Hiscox appointed Kate Rarick as vice president and businessowners policy practice leader, enhancing their small commercial underwriting segment with her extensive industry experience from Nationwide. Summit Insurance selected Greg Thomas as vice president for its mid-Atlantic region to strengthen regional workers’ compensation insurance operations.
Aspire General Insurance promoted Tyler Nicholson to chief revenue and distribution officer to spearhead revenue growth and channel management. Additionally, Myles Storms and Madison Storms were advanced to senior vice president roles, directing operations and human resources, respectively, supporting Aspire’s expansion and talent strategy.
Venbrook Group appointed David Hicks senior vice president and transportation practice lead, augmenting their expertise in transportation insurance markets from his previous roles. Trucordia named Aaron Davidson senior vice president for broking and strategy, adding leadership with a background in insurance technology and advisory services.
Builders & Tradesmen’s Insurance Services promoted Jessica Keefe to senior vice president and head of operations, emphasizing compliance and strategic growth, while Alliant Insurance Services added Danny Reeder as vice president in employee benefits, leveraging his extensive experience in benefits consulting. These leadership changes across the insurance sector signal continued emphasis on operational excellence, market expansion, underwriting specialization, and claims management efficiency.