Hires and Promotions at EMPLOYERS, Irwin Siegel, Glatfelter, Erie and Lockton - Around the Industry

People & Places

EMPLOYERS named Bryan Ware senior vice president and chief actuary. Ware has almost 30 years of industry experience and will focus on EMPLOYERS' strategy implementation and goal development.

Jason Richardson was appointed chief operating officer of Lockton's Atlanta, Ga., Greater Miami, Fla. and Charlotte, N.C. offices. He will oversee operations of Lockton Southeast.

Irwin Siegel Agency Inc. welcomed back Ken Chappell, who returned to the agency as assistant vice president of business development after spending four years as a regional vice president of marketing for Agency Specialty product Network.  

Shawn Yingling was named president of Glatfelter Religious Practice (GRP), a unit of Glatfelter Program Managers. Yingling has 24 years of industry experience; he began his career with Glatfelter back in 1988.

Erie Insurance announced several promotions: Richard Burt will take on the role of executive vice president of product and will focus on Erie's three business lines; Christina Marsh is now senior vice president of services, a new position centered on developing a project management office; Dionne Wallace Oakley was appointed senior vice president of human resources, where she will oversee Erie's human resources division.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Digital Insurance acquired First Benefit Partners, headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. First Benefit's Matt Noe joined Digital's integrated benefits team as director of sales.

New Programs

Aon Affinity enhanced its Agency Advantage Professional Liability Program for property-casualty agencies with revenues under $10 million. The additions include:

• An abbreviated application process
• Rapid online rating tools for preferred brokers
• Diminishing deductible
• Wrongful employment practice reimbursement
• Security incident protection
• Expanded coverage definition
• Extended reporting period options.

The Mutual Service Office Inc. (MSO) introduced a janitorial services enhancement to its special contractors program. The coverage changes include:

• Lock replacement and rekeying for lost or stolen keys
• Police dept. fee in the case of a triggerd burglar alarm
• Property damage liability extension for property damaged during work

News

Applied Systems released MobileProducer, an independent agent mobile application, compatible with the iPad and other tablet computers, that provides instant access to client information, at TENCon 2012. MobileProducer's interface lets producers view accounts, activities, contacts and policy information as well as communicate through email and use GPS. 

Applied Systems also announced the 2012 Pinnacle Award Winners at TENCon 2012. Alliant Insurance Services Inc., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Harrington Insurance Agency Inc., Hoffman Brown Co. and Willis North America Inc. were selected to receive the award based on innovation in product deployment, strong partnership and the ability to deliever results. Applied's client network, ASCnet, recognized the efforts of individuals and carriers to adopt new technologies with its Ease of Doing Business Awards. Top honors went to Progressive Insurance Co. and The Hartford. For more information on awards and recipients, visit TENCon 2012's website.