Hires and Promotions at Sparta, Fireman's Fund and AmWINS - Around the Industry

People & Places

Sparta Insurance Co. appointed Tom Colosi as chief underwriting officer executive. Colosi previously led The Hartford's countrywide group captive program business, and has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial insurance industry. 

Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. announced the appointment of Erik W. Matson as commercial insurance field executive. Matson, who most recently served as regional president of the Americas for AIG small/medium commercial lines and program businesses, will be responsible for growing Fireman's Fund's commercial insurance business.

Varonda Almond was appointed to vice president of AmWINS Brokerage of the Carolinas. Bill Kizlaitis joined AmWINS Special Risk Underwriters as a senior underwriter.

News

The Education Foundation of the American Assn. of Managing General Agents recognized three new Certified Insurance Wholesalers (CIWs) and two new Certified Managing General Agencies (CMGAs) at its 87^th Annual Meeting. CIWs for 2013 include Chris Behymer, Markel Corp.; Jennifer Larsen-Jensen, Erickson-Larson Inc.; and David Miller, W.A. Schickedanz Agency Inc. CMGAs include Sierra Specialty Insurance Services Inc. of Clovis, Calif., and Tuscano Agency of Greensburg, Pa.

The Target Markets Program Administrator Assn.  awarded five members the Certified Programs Leader  Designation. Recipients included Dan Schoenfeld, Clarion Assocs. Inc.; Tina Brizuela, Liberty International Underwriters; Frank Noyes, Markel Programs; and Brian Kenny and David Beighley, Zurich.

Vertafore was awarded the Broker's Insurance Group's 2013 BIGGIE Award for Vendor of the Year. 

New Programs

Travelers introduced the new Construction Pak(SM) – Builders' Risk, which provides tailored coverage to fit the needs of standard to complex construction projects. Coverage extensions, equipment breakdown coverage, green building coverage, replacement cost valuation and an extensive definition of covered property are among the new features of the program.

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange announced that it will offer automobile insurance to members in Massachusetts. The coverage includes various vehicle types including regular use vehicles, motorcycles and antique cars.   

NAS Insurance Services introduced Alive Risk, a new brand for its Entertainment & Sports division that will provide specialty insurance for a broad range of live event risks. The new division will be headed by Jerid Schmickle and Tim Troester. 

Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. announced the addition of Excess & Surplus lines and an Excess Casualty team. Joseph Rainone was appointed executive vice president and head of the new Excess Casualty insurance unit, which includes a team of underwriters in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. announced a new stand-alone workers' compensation program available for small to mid-size risks with moderate severity classification.