W.R. Berkley Appoints Shadi Albert as President of Vela Insurance Services

W. R. Berkley Corporation has announced leadership changes within its Vela Insurance Services division. Shadi Albert has been appointed president of Vela Insurance Services, succeeding Arthur G. Davis, who will now take on the role of chairman. These leadership transitions are effective immediately and aim to ensure continued growth and service excellence in Vela's market segments.

Shadi Albert joined Berkley in 2023 as president of Berkley Luxury Group and brings a strong background in strategy and business development from a previous senior role at a large U.S. insurance group. His experience in positioning operations for profitable growth is expected to enhance Vela's capabilities in delivering specialized insurance solutions.

Arthur G. Davis, since joining Vela in 2018, served as senior vice president and chief underwriting officer before becoming president in 2019. As chairman, he will facilitate a smooth leadership transition and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

Vela Insurance Services specializes in Excess and Surplus Lines Casualty and Professional Liability insurance across four market segments, delivering national service combined with local expertise to a select wholesale broker network. Vela’s focus on specialized insurance products positions it as a key player in the niche segment of the U.S. commercial insurance market.

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is a major insurance holding company within the U.S., known for its extensive commercial lines underwriting and operations in property casualty insurance and reinsurance. The company’s strategic leadership appointments at Vela underscore Berkley's commitment to maintaining strong management and growth in specialized insurance sectors.

These leadership developments at Vela are notable within the broader U.S. insurance industry, highlighting ongoing efforts by established insurers to adapt their organizational structures for evolving market demands and client service enhancement. Professionals in the insurance field may find these changes relevant for understanding market dynamics and competitive positioning within the Excess and Surplus Lines segments.