Lloyd's appoints new execs: Farmers business insurance president: Career moves

April 22, 2024 5:00 PM

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Lloyd’s names Miller, Lipman to executive roles

Lloyd's has appointed Dawn Miller as chief commercial officer, and CEO of Lloyd's Americas, taking effect on September 1. As CEO, Miller will foster key relationships and drive strategic and sustainable growth in the region, including alignment with Bermuda. Her role as chief commercial officer will expand.

"As we look at how our commercial strategy can support the market's profitable growth over the next two years, these changes to the way we're structured in the Americas allow us to broaden the scope of our offering," Miller stated in a press release. "We will be able to provide greater support to our large network of stakeholders and market participants based on the region, and drive forward our global distribution strategy."

Miller will be replacing Hank Watkins, regional director and president of Lloyd's Americas, who will be leaving the company at the end of this year, after 15 years there.

Also in September, Marc Lipman will begin the role of president of Lloyd's Americas. He joined the company as president of Lloyd's Canada in June 2020.

Farmers Insurance names new president of business insurance

Farmers Insurance announced Eric Coleman as president of Business Insurance. Coleman will lead commercial underwriting, product, strategy, finance and new market activity for the business insurance team. Coleman previously led Nationwide's small commercial business unit. He also spent five years at Travelers.

Raul Vargas, chief executive officer for Farmers Insurance, said in a statement: "Eric is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of adding to an organization's bottom line and helping to reshape go-to-market strategies. He has deep expertise and will be an asset to the team as we seek to strengthen and capitalize on business insurance opportunities."

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance expands marine business

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) launched Ocean Marine Insurance and hired Ben Wyatt as head of marine and Chris Frick as head of marine claims in the U.S.

Dimitry Zilberud, Marine Executive, BHSI, said in a statement: "Ben will lead our regional team of underwriters and bring our far-reaching marine offerings to retail and wholesale brokers across the U.S., while Chris delivers on our claims is our product philosophy for customers."

Birrane steps down as Maryland Insurance Commissioner

The Maryland Insurance Administration is inviting candidates to apply for the role of Insurance Commissioner after Kathleen A. Birrane announced on April 17 that she is resigning effective June 30.

Birrane was appointed as commissioner in May 2020 by Gov. Larry Hogan after serving as a partner in the DLA Piper law firm. She remained in the role after Gov. Wes Moore succeeded Hogan in January 2023. Birrane will be returning to partnership at DLA Piper.

"My decision to return to private practice is bittersweet. Serving the residents of this State as the Insurance Commissioner has been a source of great joy. I am blessed to work with a remarkable team of professionals who dedicate themselves every day to keeping the Maryland insurance market sound and making sure that insurers keep their promises," Birrane stated in a press release. "But, after four incredibly intense and productive years, this is the right time for me."

Markel taps Gordge to lead terrorism insurance practice

Markel has named Chloe Gordge as head of terrorism in its London Office, overseeing the firm's business insuring against terrorism. Gordge joined Markel more than 11 years ago as an underwriting assistant.

In her new role, Gordge will lead and implement the firm's underwriting strategy, developing insurance solutions for brokers and their clients in an increasingly unpredictable threat landscape.

In prior roles at Markel, Gordge led the launch of its Active Assailant product serving U.S.-based businesses, including development of a rating tool.

Aon announces Shailendra Sapra as CEO of Reinsurance Solutions in India

Aon named Shailendra Sapra as CEO of the organization's Reinsurance Solutions in India and a member of the regional Reinsurance Executive Committee effective June 2024.

Sapra, who joined the firm's Reinsurance Analytics team in 2010 and has since served in many different roles, will report to George Attard, CEO of Reinsurance for Aon's APAC region.

Attard said in a press release, "As Aon expands its presence in India, I am pleased to welcome Shailendra as our India CEO for Reinsurance. India is predicted to have the fastest growing insurance sector of all G20 countries over the next five years; when coupled with the country's fast-growing economy, a pro-active regulator, and an appetite for technology and innovation, its emerging insurance sector is clearly on an upwards trajectory. This appointment marks another milestone in Aon's progress in India and reflects our broad commitment to the India market and to meeting our clients' evolving needs – through investing in our Reinsurance capabilities, but also delivery of our broader Risk Capital and Human Capital capabilities."