Hires and Promotions: Aspen, NAIC, Integro, Fireman's Fund, and More - Around the Industry

People & Places

Aspen appointed Rupert Villers, previous co-CEO of Aspen Insurance, as chairman of Aspen Insurance and president of Aspen International Insurance. Mario Vitale was named CEO of Aspen Insurance globally. They will focus on developing and executing Aspen business strategies.

Sandy Praeger joined the National Insurance Producer Registry's board of directors as a National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners representative.

American Underwriting Managers announced the addition of Gay Aulenbacher as vice-president, director of marketing. She has served the industry and surplus lines businesses in Texas for more than 30 years.

Hugh Coyle was hired as principal and west coast real estate development and construction practice leader for Integro Insurance Brokers. He will focus on Integro's consolidated insurance programs.

Fireman's Fund appointed Joe Kinsey to high net worth personal insurance executive for the eastern zone. He will oversee personal line business in the eastern zone high net worth market.

Richard Friedl has been appointed managing director and head of business development for Howden Broking Group's North American division. His focus will be Howden's retail and wholesale producers.

Narragansett Bay Insurance Co. has named Todd Hart as its chief exectuive officer. He was previously CEO of Glacier Group. The company's founder Nick Steffey will become executive chairman and will continue to build Narragansett's brand and act as a company representative.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. acquired Whitehaven Insurance Group Inc., in Gulf Shores, Ala. Whitehaven Insurance is a retail broker specializing in high risk coastal properties for condominium associations and private homeowners.

New Programs

Western Security Surplus Insurance Brokers now offers a program for bars, taverns, and restaurants in the California market. Premiums start at $750 and cover facilities up to 2,500 square feet, up to $1.5 million sales and 30 to 100 percent in liquor sales. Similar programs in Florida and Texas have been successful.

K&K Insurance Group Inc. announced optional sexual abuse and molestation coverage for their sports and recreation policies. The coverage includes:

• Amateur sports teams & leagues
• Amateur sports tournaments & events
• Youth day camps
• Youth sports camps
• Dance schools
• Martial arts schools
• Gymnastics schools
• Cheer gyms
• Health clubs and exercise studios
• Activity and social clubs.

News

The Central Insurance Cos. recognized Manry & Heston for 125 years in the insurance industry. The agency was founded in 1887 in Atlanta and remains the city's oldest full-line insurance agency.

CRC|Crump rebranded its legacy Crump P&C Brokerage division under the CRC|Crump name. The change does not impact any of the legacy CRC or legacy Crump P&C program divisions or Crump Insurance Services Inc.