People & Places

Andrea Mills joined The American Equity Underwriters as senior vice president/director of strategic business development. She will be responsible for creating the American Longshore Mutual Association System Advisory Committee.

Robert Farella was appointed to the position of vice president for AmWINS Brokerage of New Jersey. David Schaeffer joined AmWINS Group Benefits as vice president of sales in the program development practice.

The Kaufman Financial Group announced Catherine Murray as executive director of the Chesterfield Group. Murray will be responsible for aiding in the expansion of Chesterfield’s North American business as well as maximize penetration of the Kaufman Financial Group cos. in the London area.

Privilege Underwriters Inc. of the PURE Group of Insurance Cos. appointed Steven Oakley to the position of chief actuarial officer and Mark Musser as chief legal officer and corporate secretary.

Hanover Stone Partners announced the appointments of Fred Travis, Winifred A. Baker and Craig Nelson as senior risk advisors.

Three new professionals joined Lockton's Chicago location. Robert Wierma was appointed to the pisition of producer, Patrick McChrystal joined the company as vice president and account executive, and James Billing is the new health risk solutions consultant.

The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research named Cross Insurance veteran Michael Lemay the 2013 “Outstanding CSR of the Year” for the state of Maine. Lemay was selected for outstanding service and professionalism within the industry, and is now one of 49 individuals who are eligible for the national honor.

Equity Risk Partners named Dick Riley and Jim Quinn to the company’s board of directors.

Mergers & Acquisitions

SterlingRisk acquired a personal lines team specializing in the entertainment space. The team is based in White Plaines, N.Y., and is led by Katie Knowles, who joined SterlingRisk with more than 23 years of experience in Entertainment Specialty Insurance.

Guy Carpenter & Co. LLC announced the acquisition of South Portland, Maine-based Smith Group. Smith Group is the recognized industry leading disability reinsurance risk manager.

News

The National African-American Insurance Assn. held a chapter formation meeting in Richmond, Va. At the state headquarters for the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia. Close to 20 insurance professionals were in attendance.

Special Reports /

Around the Industry: Hires & Promotions at American Equity Underwriters, AmWINS, Kaufman Financial, PURE

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