Notable Executive Changes in the Insurance Sector for March 2023
The insurance sector experienced notable executive changes this week, with significant appointments spanning global underwriting, specialty managing general agent (MGA) operations, and leadership roles in life and employee benefits sectors.
Liberty Mutual Insurance announced Phil Hobbs as the upcoming president of underwriting for global risk solutions, a position he will assume on April 1, 2026. Hobbs, who currently leads Liberty International Insurance, will manage underwriting strategies, portfolio oversight, and product leadership for the company’s global property, casualty, and specialty business divisions. With 25 years of industry experience, including roles such as chief actuary and chief underwriting officer at Liberty Specialty Markets, Hobbs will continue directing international operations until a replacement is appointed.
Matthew Moore, GRS president, emphasized Hobbs’ market-focused approach and extensive underwriting expertise, stating, "Phil brings a highly commercial and market-facing perspective... central to delivering our strategy in the coming years."
International General Insurance Holdings (IGI) announced Thomas Collett’s addition to its board of directors on March 19. Collett, a reinsurance executive with business development experience in US markets, previously held senior roles at Guy Carpenter. He also sits on the board of Dallas Specialty Insurance Company and has been appointed to IGI's compensation committee. With David Anthony retiring on March 19, Andrew Poole steps in as chair of the compensation committee and joins the audit and risk committee.
Trident Marine Managers, a division of Ryan Specialty, appointed Karolina Krol as chief operating officer. Krol will oversee daily operations, strategic initiatives, and tactical execution to align with Trident's vision of providing specialized marine and offshore energy insurance services. Krol emphasizes the importance of aligning operations with organizational goals, stating, “Great operations aren’t just about systems—they’re about people aligned around a clear mission.”
The Hartford made strategic appointments in its Middle & Large Business unit. Jaclyn Fortino has been named head of inland marine, bringing 22 years of underwriting and operations experience. Todd Wilson was appointed head of energy, tasked with integrating The Hartford's energy and construction operations, enhancing their energy sector portfolio through market engagement and strategic partnerships.
LifeSecure Insurance Company announced the retirement of Brian Vestergaard, vice president of product and marketing, effective March 4, 2026, and introduced new executive roles. Jason Bushey was appointed chief risk officer, and Kathy Tanner became vice president of strategy and mergers & acquisitions. Both have held pivotal roles at LifeSecure since its inception. Jeffery Young expands his role as vice president of sales & marketing, while Ross Aron, LifeSecure president and CEO, welcomed the new leaders, highlighting their "incredible perspectives and depth of experience."
Alliant Insurance Services appointed Melody Gray as vice president within its employee benefits group. Gray, based in Portland, Oregon, will provide comprehensive employee benefits solutions across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits, praised Gray’s holistic strategy and commitment to delivering outcomes aligned with organizational goals, backed by over 20 years of industry experience.
The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut elected Kathleen Bailey as president at the association’s annual convention. Bailey, affiliated with The Russell Agency, has held various leadership roles within PIA, contributing extensively to consumer relations and fiscal oversight committees.