Excess/Surplus Lines Claims Association Changing Its Name

NU Online News Service, Nov. 3, 3:12 p.m. EST

The 40-year-old Excess/Surplus Lines Claims Association said it is changing its name to the International Association of Claim Professionals.

The announcement was made at the group's recent annual meeting, where the group selected officers and directors

New President Miles J. Banks, executive director of group claims at Willis Group Ltd., noted that the global claim association has expanded and developed with a membership of approximately 200 primary insurance companies, reinsurers, brokers, claim management companies and claim run-off entities

He pointed out that member companies are engaged in diverse lines of insurance and reside in the United States, UK, Bermuda and Continental Europe,

"Our founders represented American primary surplus lines carriers and had a vision which sought to enhance the knowledge and respect of insurance claim professionals. The overwhelming support for adopting a new name reflects the composition of the membership and how the Association and the industry has grown and evolved over time."

New officers besides Mr. Banks are:

? Vice President Bruce Carlino, senior vice president, head of claims, QBE Reinsurance Corp.

? Treasurer Stuart Willoughby, Claims Director, Markel International Insurance Company Ltd.

? Secretary Susan Wain, senior vice president, claims, Scottsdale Insurance Company.

? Assistant Treasurer Eric Herstine, assistant vice president of reinsurance claims, Lexington Insurance Company

? Assistant Secretary Kevin Shea, senior vice president, direct claims, Berkley Insurance Company/Signet Star Re

? Immediate Past President Sandra Van Enk, senior vice president, The Toa Reinsurance Company of America

Officers of the Association are elected to serve a term of one year.

The newest member joining the Board of Directors with a term expiring in 2012 is Steven D. Robson, claims director, Max at Lloyd's Ltd.

Frank Nicoletti of Nicoletti, Gonson, Spinner & Owen LLP continues to serve the IACP as its general counsel.

The ICAP was formed in 1971 to provide a forum for claims professionals to enhance their knowledge base through continuing education programs.

The Association is an international network of the most senior insurance claims professionals who strive to enhance the development and professionalism of the membership, raise the standards of good practice and maintain an integrity and degree of excellence in the industry that exceeds today's increasing demands.