Promotions and Hires with Ebix, Founders, IIABA, Aon, Lockton- Around the Industry

People and Places

Ebix welcomes 7 new execs: Ebix, the leading supplier of On-Demand software and e-commerce services, named  Warren Brinker, Tom Chelston, David Greiff, Ellen Milantoni and Larry Panetta as senior executives of new sales functions. The company also announced that Ashley Franco will take over the senior exchange technology position along with hiring a senior exec for a created 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 VP of personal lines claims and Wade D. Rankin has been promoted to commercial claims manager. Poradzisz's obligations include developing personal lines claims department objectives and recruiting and training department staff and Rankin's repsonsibilities include supervising a unit of claims analysts.

The IIABA appoints new leadership team: The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) have elected Michael Donohoe as its chairman along with Bobby Bramlett as chairman elect, Tom Minkler as vice chairman and Spencer Houldin as the new exec committee member. Their terms are scheduled to begin at the closing of the board meeting held in association with the IIABA's leadership conference in Minneapolis this weekend.

John Moskal joins Aon: John Moskal was hired by Aon Risk Solutions, Aon Corp.'s global risk managment business, as the executive VP and regional sales director of the Pittsburg office. Moskal recently served as managing director at Marsh and has more than 31 years of experience in the industry.

New CEO at Applied Systems: Reid French has been appointed as the new CEO of Applied Systems, a leading provider of insurance software and services. French will direct the company's business strategy, develop and foster client relationships and oversee daily operations.

Two new additions to Lockton's Phoenix office: Tom Hartley and Kevin Cummings have joined Lockton's Phoenix office and will take on two newly created positions. Cummings will lead the office as executive vice president and Hartley has become managing director.

Merger and Acquisitions

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

New Policies

Hartford provides new coverage for small businesses: The Harford has broadened portfolio of cyber risk coverage with data breach protection in response to an increase in breaches involving businesses with 100 employees or less. The agency's data breach coverage includes access to a secure breach preparedness website, third party coverage for defense and liability and first party coverage for response expenses.

News

2011 “Investigator of the Year” is named by IASIU: The International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) awarded Pamela Stiefel, an investigator with The Hartford in San Antonio, the “Investigator of the Year” award after cracking a massive international car-theft ring.  Just one questionable claim of a stolen truck led Stiefel to break open the ring that was cheating insurers out of millions.