People and Places

Ebix welcomes 7 new execs: Ebix, theleading supplier of On-Demand software and e-commerce services,named Warren Brinker, TomChelston, David Greiff, EllenMilantoni and Larry Panetta as seniorexecutives of new sales functions. The company also announced thatAshley Franco will take over the seniorexchange technology position along with hiring a senior exec for acreated VP investor relations position who has yet to be named.

Two claims promotions at Founders: Founders Insurance Co., of Des Plaines,Ill., has promoted Sharon A. Poradzisz to VPof personal lines claims and Wade D. Rankin hasbeen promoted to commercial claims manager. Poradzisz's obligationsinclude developing personal lines claims department objectives andrecruiting and training department staff and Rankin'srepsonsibilities include supervising a unit of claims analysts.

The IIABA appoints new leadership team: The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers ofAmerica (IIABA) have elected MichaelDonohoe as its chairman along with BobbyBramlett as chairman elect, Tom Minkleras vice chairman and Spencer Houldin as the newexec committee member. Their terms are scheduled to begin at theclosing of the board meeting held in association with the IIABA'sleadership conference in Minneapolis this weekend.

John Moskal joins Aon: John Moskal was hired byAon Risk Solutions, AonCorp.'s global risk managment business, as the executiveVP and regional sales director of the Pittsburg office. Moskalrecently served as managing director at Marsh and has morethan 31 years of experience in the industry.

New CEO at Applied Systems: Reid French hasbeen appointed as the new CEO of AppliedSystems, a leading provider of insurance software andservices. French will direct the company's business strategy,develop and foster client relationships and oversee dailyoperations.

Two new additions to Lockton's Phoenix office: TomHartley and Kevin Cummings have joinedLockton'sPhoenix office and will take on two newly createdpositions. Cummings will lead the office as executive vicepresident and Hartley has become managing director.

Merger and Acquisitions

Cross acquires new insurance agency: Cross Insurance,Cross Financial Corp.'s subsidiary, has acquiredWatson Insurance Agency ofManchester,N.H. The newly acquired insuranceagency's building, located in downtown Manchester, will mergewith various Cross Insurance offices to form Cross InsuranceManchester. The insurance company will be the largestin the area and will accommodate 75 of Cross's employees.

New Policies

Hartford provides new coverage for small businesses:The Harford has broadened portfolio ofcyber risk coverage with data breach protection in response to anincrease in breaches involving businesses with 100 employees orless. The agency's data breach coverage includes access to a securebreach preparedness website, third party coverage for defense andliability and first party coverage for response expenses.

News

2011 “Investigator of the Year” is named by IASIU:The International Association ofSpecial Investigation Units (IASIU) awardedPamela Stiefel, an investigator with The Hartfordin San Antonio, the “Investigator of the Year” award after crackinga massive international car-theft ring. Justone questionable claim of a stolen truck led Stiefel to breakopen the ring that was cheating insurers out of millions.