I'm not a fan of reporters who bury the lead, so here goes: After 29 years at National Underwriter, I'm switching careers to study this industry in more depth as insurance leader at Deloitte Research.

At Deloitte, I can put my skills as a journalist to good use while capitalizing on my insurance expertise and contacts. I look forward to keeping in touch–to pick your brains and hopefully offer some keen insights into the industry's present state of affairs and future prospects.

I leave the NU brand in excellent hands, starting with Managing Editor Susanne Sclafane, who never ceases to amaze me with her tireless work to get into the nitty-gritty of the commercial insurance market. Hiring Susanne 15 years ago was the best decision I ever made here at NU.

Online News Editor Phil Gusman, Risk Management Editor Caroline McDonald, Agent/Broker Editor Mark Ruquet and Washington Editor Dave Postal bring much to the table as well, given their years of experience, deep well of knowledge and multitude of sources. Our new assistant editor, Chad Hemenway, is no stranger to the business, either.

NU is a team effort, and I've had an outstanding group behind me, starting with Senior Copy Editor Kim Tallon, who somehow keeps this magazine publishing on time every week no matter what happens.

Besides my dedicated staff, I have so many people to thank for the wonderful life I have enjoyed here at NU.

I thank President Andy Goodenough and Group Publisher Chris Luke for rejuvenating my career–Andy for jettisoning NU's anonymous, institutional editorial in favor of this high-profile column, and Chris for encouraging me to launch my blog, which turned out to be one of the most gratifying experiences of my time in journalism.

I thank my former bosses, Peggy Walker and Tom Fowler, for showing such faith in my abilities with big-time promotions over the years.

I thank my former editors, Tom Slattery and Tom Maher (may they both rest in peace), for trusting me with this venerable title by putting me in charge of day-to-day operations at the tender age of 28.

I thank my dear friend and former colleague, David Katz, for being my mentor and my right hand for many years, teaching me not only how to write a better lead and stronger narrative, but how to be a deeper thinker and more influential opinion leader.

I thank my counterpart on NU's life and health insurance edition, Steve Piontek, for being my comrade in arms until he retired this spring and for being my inspiration with his take-no-prisoners approach to his own column, telling the truth as he saw it and letting the chips fall where they may.

I especially thank my personal editor in chief–my darling wife, Cheryl–who always gives me her honest opinion and never steers me wrong.

Most of all, I thank you, my readers, for sticking with me even when you didn't agree with my views. A writer's biggest asset is his audience, and I've been blessed with a loyal following indeed.

Editing NU has been a privilege that I have never taken for granted. My mission has always been to enlighten the insurance community about the challenges ahead and how to overcome them. That will not change in my new gig at Deloitte Research.

Rest assured, my friends, you haven't heard the last of me yet.

Special Reports /

Hello, I Must Be Going!

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