Risk managers are facing two related, yet still divergent, movements in the world of computing, according to David Allred, head of technology for Zurich North America Commercial.

The role that insurance agents play in the health marketplace in 2014 and beyond will likely be left up to the states, said Joel Ario, head of the insurance exchange bureau of the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Insurance industry trade associations are working with the New York governor’s office to discuss differences of opinion regarding a plan to merge the state’s insurance department with the Department of Banking and the Consumer Protection Agency.

Mayfield Village, Ohio-based auto insurer Progressive Corp. reported January results, stating that net income increased 58 percent over last year on favorable prior accident year reserve development.

Mayfield Village, Ohio-based auto insurer Progressive Corp. reported January results, stating that net income increased 58 percent over last year on favorable prior accident year reserve development.

PartnerRe Ltd. said it is estimating 2011 first-quarter losses from catastrophe activity in Australia to be between $80 million and $110 million.

Daytona Beach, Fla.-based insurance broker Brown & Brown Inc. said it has named Elizabeth “Liz” White president of Peachtree Special Risk Brokers L.L.C.

The Boston office of Kinloch Consulting Group Inc., Kinloch Boston, was acquired by Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC (MMA), a subsidiary of insurance broker Marsh Inc.