Executive Appointments Enhance Insurance Sector Leadership
Recent executive appointments by several global firms, including Howden, Avatar MGA Ltd, Alliant Insurance Services, and Corebridge Financial, aim to enhance market presence and operational capacities through strategic leadership changes.
Avatar MGA Ltd has named Jenna Contreras as the US head of distribution. Her role focuses on strengthening relationships with wholesale brokers and increasing the firm's influence in the London market. Reporting to COO Adrian Williams and Clare Bailey, the head of property underwriting, Contreras will leverage her US market insights to bolster the company's non-habitational property underwriting strategy. Clare Bailey emphasized the importance of Contreras' role in executing their underwriting agenda and improving broker interactions. Contreras brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at Allianz Commercial and other notable firms.
Howden has appointed Patrick Thomas as managing director of its US trucking specialty practice, reflecting its expansion into logistics and transportation. Thomas will craft the company's US trucking strategy, collaborating with retail and specialty teams to provide customized insurance and advisory solutions to motor carriers and logistics providers. Howden Americas CEO Mike Parrish highlighted the trucking sector as a critical component of the US economy, underscoring the need for industry specialists like Thomas, who contributes over 18 years of experience and will join Howden’s senior US leadership team.
Alliant Insurance Services has introduced Keith Storie as senior vice president in its Washington state employee benefits group. Storie will focus on developing health and welfare strategies aligned with clients' goals. Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits, noted Storie’s extensive experience across carrier and consulting platforms, which will be instrumental in addressing complex benefits challenges. With four decades of expertise, Storie’s background spans plan design, compliance, and strategic planning for public and nonprofit sectors.
Corebridge Financial has appointed Christopher Filiaggi as interim chief financial officer, effective April 24, 2026, as it prepares for a merger with Equitable Holdings. In his interim role, Filiaggi will report to president and CEO Marc Costantini and join the executive leadership team to ensure continuity during the transition. Costantini praised Filiaggi’s capability to guide the organization through this phase, highlighting his finance background and respected status. Filiaggi's prior roles in finance leadership at Corebridge, American International Group, and advisory work with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, position him to lead until the merger concludes and Equitable Holdings' CFO assumes finance leadership of the combined entity.