Berkley Financial's chief claims officer; New CEO of CAC Group: Career moves

January 12, 2025 1:57 PM

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Markel names transport and logistics leader

Markel announced Grant Smith will head its transport and logistics team and be responsible for underwriting strategy and growth. Smith is also the director of marine and energy liabilities.

Tom Hillier, managing director, international specialty, at Markel, said in a statement: "Transport and logistics companies currently face a heightened risk environment, due to global economic contraction, heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing technological and regulatory risks."

Markel also announced Jack Taylor as executive, distribution strategies and business development, Asia Pacific. In this newly created role, Taylor will lead broker engagement in the region. Taylor joins the company from Zurich Insurance.

Berkley Financial appoints VP, chief claims officer

Berkley Financial announced Adam Brinkley as vice president and chief claims officer. Brinkley succeeds Megan Manogue, who has retired after nearly 10 years in the role.

Mike Connor, president of Berkley Financial Specialists, said in a statement: "Since joining Berkley Financial Specialists, Adam has consistently demonstrated his ability to handle the many challenging and complex aspects of claims specific to our customers' industries. We are excited to have Adam leading the drive to claims excellence in meeting our customers' needs with the focus, expertise, and outstanding personal service for which Berkley Financial Specialists is well known."

Grange Insurance’s new VP national underwriting and business operations

Grange Insurance promoted Mike Hickman to vice president, national underwriting and business operations on the commercial lines leadership team. Hickman will oversee national underwriting and business operations. He will also lead the development of Grange's commercial lines strategy.

Grange Insurance President, Commercial Lines John North, said in a statement: "Mike's promotion highlights Grange's dedication to advancing our commercial lines capabilities through forward-thinking innovation and outstanding leadership. Mike's proven track record and strategic approach make him the ideal leader as we continue prioritizing profitable growth and delivering results for our agency partners."

Canopius appoints Laura Burke U.S. head of cyber and technology

Specialty reinsurer Canopius, has announced the appointment of Laura Burke as the U.S. head of cyber and technology. Previously, she served as executive vice president, cyber and technology. The company has expertise in threat intelligence and analytics, with significant cyber resources as well as a global incident management team.

"Canopius is at the forefront of the constantly evolving cyber risk management landscape globally and in the US as a major focus of our strategic growth plans," said Lisa Davis, CEO of Canopius U.S & Bermuda. "Laura has been instrumental in building out our strategy and capabilities, and I'm thrilled to have her deep cyber expertise and underwriting experience leading the company in proactively developing solutions to meet growing policyholder needs."

Ascot Group appoints Bruce Sikorski group head of corporate services

Ascot Group has named Bruce Sikorski to the newly created role of group head of corporate services where he will oversee day-to-day operations of Ascot's global facilities, as well as Ascot's global travel program the company's corporate vendor relationships.

"As we continue to add talent and expand our presence across the "golden triangle" of global specialty insurance – the U.S., U.K. and Bermuda – Bruce's proven experience managing large, complex facilities and leading global teams will be invaluable to our continued operational success," said Bill Thygeson, group chief human resources officer.

Equisoft appoints vice president of insurance solutions

Equisoft announced Brian Simpson as its vice president of insurance solutions. Simpson has over 30 years of experience in life, health and annuity and has held executive roles in major organizations. He has previously led large-scale initiatives in IT operations and business transformations, including statutory mergers and acquisitions, platform upgrade, system consolidations and operational digitization efforts, according to the press release.

"Brian's extensive industry experience and proven leadership make him an invaluable addition to our team," said Mark DePhillips, senior vice president at Equisoft, in a statement. "His deep understanding of the unique challenges facing U.S. insurers, combined with his ability to drive modernization, will help our clients meet growing customer expectations and achieve lasting success through transformative solutions."

Michelle Dudek named head of U.S. environmental at Aspen

Aspen Insurance Holdings has named Michelle Dudek head of U.S. environmental, which she will be responsible for overseeing the company's suite of environmental products for their U.S. clients as well as the underwriting strategy and risk management capabilities for the team.

William McElroy, Aspen's insurance portfolio director, casualty, said in a press statement, "Michelle is an industry veteran, and I am delighted that she is joining our team. She is highly experienced in all aspects of underwriting and underwriting governance and joins our growing bench strength of diverse talent in senior leadership roles. Michelle will, undoubtedly, add further depth and guidance to our U.S. Environmental product line. I look forward to welcoming her insights and expertise as we continue to deliver best-in-class service to our clients."

Erin Lynch becomes Chief Executive Officer of CAC Group

CAC Group has announced that Erin Lynch, president of CAC Specialty's Natural Resources Practice, will become Chief Executive Officer of CAC Group in the first quarter of 2025. The current CEO, Mike Rice, will assume the role of vice chairman.

"Mike played a major role in developing the vision for CAC and has provided significant influence and leadership at our firm. He was instrumental in aligning CAC Group as one brand, while building it to become a destination for top talent in the insurance industry. As a result of Mike's hard work and steadfast adherence to our values and vision, CAC Group's performance has been extraordinary. We are extremely grateful for his contributions, and we look forward to his continued involvement with the company," said Paul Sparks, Executive Chairman of CAC Group in a press statement.

"Along with Mike and the rest of the CAC Group Board, I am excited to welcome Erin Lynch to her new role as CEO. Erin is a proven leader with skills anchored in the values that make CAC successful – integrity, entrepreneurship and achievement. Under her leadership, I am confident that CAC will continue to be a leading specialty insurance broker for years to come," added Sparks.