These 100 movers and shakers led the insurance industry to new heights over the past year

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WELCOME TO IBA’s annual Hot 100 list. We asked you, the insurance community, to pass on your suggestions for the big names to be considered for inclusion on this list of industry power players. From CEOs and presidents of major insurers to local heroes, the names came flooding in.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of everyone who’s making waves in the insurance industry, we’ve narrowed it down to 100 people we think merit a mention this year – whether it’s for a lifetime of achievement or a gutsy move that shook up the insurance world in 2015.

NAME PAGE COMPANY

Anderson, Anne 28 Integro

Banaszynski, Matt 30Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin

Barton, Curtis 43 Venture Pacific Insurance Services

Beale, Inga 44 Lloyd’s of London

Bentley, Robert 40 Markel

Berkley, William 30 WR Berkley

Biedleman, Justin 38 Arbor Insurance Group

Bixler, Todd 38 K&K Insurance Group

Boedker, David 26 Keystone Insurers Group

Brady, Denis 26 Burns & Wilcox Brokerage

Branch, Laurie 33 The Iroquois Group

Brown, J. Powell 30 Brown & Brown

Brown, Matt 28 General Star

Brown, Sam 30 PURE

Brown, Stacy 27 Freberg Environmental

Buchmueller, Ross 31 PCI

Caldwell, Andrew 35 Smart Choice

Casserley, Dominic 36 Willis Group

Catlin, Steve 42 XL Group

Cavaness, Joel 43 Renaissance Alliance

Chase, Brooks 44 Distinguished Programs

Cochrane, J. Bruce 40 Rancho Mesa Insurance Services

Condrin, J. Paul 42 Lexington Insurance Company

Cooper, W.H. 29 AmWINS

Cubbin, Robert 30 Marsh

Dorow, Herb 39 Lonestar Integra Insurance Services

Dybdahl, Kari 46 American Risk Management Resources

Eastwood, Peter 26 Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Eppinger, Fred 26 The Hanover Group

Foley, Brian 39 Corcoran & Havlin Benefits Group

French, Reid 44 Applied Systems

Freudenthal, Dan 30 Agency Flood Resources

Gallagher, J. Patrick 34 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Gayner, Thomas 31 Maris Brown Rossell Insurance Group

NAME PAGE COMPANY

Goodwin, Nicole 31 Hiscox

Goss, Randall 35 US Risk Insurance Group

Granillo, Diana 43 Leavitt United Insurance

Greenberg, Evan 32 ACE Group

Greenberg, Maurice 38 Starr Companies

Gulliver, Richard 34 HUB International Limited

Hamm, Adam 39 NetRate Systems

Hancock, Peter 38 AIG

Hanuschak, Brian 37 Victor O. Schinnerer

Hays, Jim 42 Hays Companies

Heffernan, Mike 32 Heffernan Insurance Brokers

Heinze, Bernd 46 AAMGA

Howard, John 32 BB&T

Iordanou, Constantine 46 Arch Capital Group

Jinhong, James 31 NAS Insurance

Jordan, David 35 NBIS

Kelley, Brady 44 NAIC

Kelley, Bruce 43 EMC Insurance Group

Kelley, Kevin 27 Ironshore

Kuzma, Thomas 35 Nautilus Insurance

Largent, Edward 46 Westfield Insurance

Larson, Donald 28 Great American Insurance Group

Lindeen, Monica 39 Meeker Sharkey Associates

Lockton, David 46 Lloyd's North America

Lucas, Bruce 32 Heritage Insurance Holdings

Luttrell, Roger 43 Combined Agents of America

Lyons, Carson 39 AIG

Masiello, Jim 46 SIAA

Mattioda, Geno 28 Wolf Point Advisors

McKernan, Geof 38 North Dakota

Merrill, Toby 42 ACE Group

Miley, Richard 40 BroadStreet Partners

Moore, Davis 35 Worldwide Facilities

Moore, LeConte 27 DeWitt Stern

INDEX BY NAME

NAME PAGE COMPANY

Mumford, Chad 26 Liberty Mutual Insurance Group

Nagano, Tsuyoshi 35 Tokio Marine

O'Brien, Dave 42 Zywave

O'Connor, Michael 34 Aon Risk Solutions

O'Leary, Patrick 36 Trident Insurance Agency

Palotay, Michael 31 NAPSLO

Pool, Brian 40 Lockton Companies

Power, Matthew 42 Ryan Specialty Group

Pritchard, Bill 28Beacon Hill Associates/PartnerOne Environmental

Pusey, Leigh Ann 36 American Insurance Association

Rao, Nag 28 EZLynx

Reingen, Eric 26 CrossFit Risk Retention Group

Rice, Michael 40 JLT Specialty

Rico, Valeria 45 Confie

Riley, Tom 34 Assured Partners

Ryan, Patrick 31 RT Specialty

Ryan, T.J. 43 ISU Insurance Agency Network

Salvatore, Brian 32 Zurich Insurance

Salzmann, Benjamin 40 Acuity

Sampson, David 46 NSM Insurance Group

Scheider, Harrison 36 American Risk Management Resources

Scotto, Ray 36 TMPAA

Sicard, Mike 41 USI Insurance Services

Skorupski, Richard 39 Meadowbrook

Tomlinson, John 32 Lockton Companies

Trzos, Bill 44 Atlas General

Turner, Timothy 42 Risk Placement Services

Volini, Dominic 28 Wolf Point Advisors

Wang, Qunbin 38 Fosun International

Watkins, Hank 34 Liberty Mutual Insurance Group

Williams, Gregory 43 Acrisure

Williams, Ray 44 SecureRisk

Zimmer, Greg 36 Alliant Insurance Services

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DENIS BRADYPresidentBURNS & WILCOX BROKERAGE

Denis Brady continues to prove that no challenge is too large. Since taking the helm at Burns & Wilcox Brokerage in 2013, Brady’s bold

leadership and aggressive pursuit of the industry’s top talent have turned the firm into one of the most highly regarded wholesale brokers in the business. In 2015, Brady recruited more than a dozen new brokers to join

his expert team and opened the doors to three new locations. (Burns & Wilcox Brokerage now operates across eight offices nationwide.) In 2015, Brady also was elected to serve as chair of the Surplus Line Association of California.

CHAD E. MUMFORDProducerLIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP

One of IBA’s top producers for 2015, Chad Mumford specializes in personal

lines products for Liberty Mutual Insurance Group. Mumford made impressive gains in both revenue growth and client growth last year; he cites a passion for continuous education as one of the driving forces behind his success. “Continually educate yourself so as to deliver concise, expert advice to your clients and to ask for referrals,” he says. “If your client views you as an expert, they will feel more confident in referring you to their family, friends and coworkers.”

FRED EPPINGERFormer president and CEOTHE HANOVER GROUP

Fred Eppinger took the reins as The Hanover Group’s president and CEO

in 2003. Under his guidance, The Hanover Group grew from a regional company to one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. During his tenure, Eppinger oversaw numerous acquisitions, including specialty insurer AIX Holdings, healthcare professional lines writer The Campania Group, chemical insurer Verlan and Professionals Direct, which insures attorneys. In October, Eppinger also assumed the role of chief financial officer for the company after the death of CFO David Greenfield. Eppinger is set to retire later this year.

ERIC REINGENVice presidentCROSSFIT RISK RETENTION GROUP

In 2009, the global CrossFit workout craze was just taking off, and Eric

Reingen was fresh out of college. At the time, he didn’t know much about insurance – but he saw potential in CrossFit. Reingen helped pioneer insurance coverage for the CrossFit brand, and his vision has paid off: Today, more than 11,000 CrossFit affiliates have opened up gyms, and Reingen is now the assistant vice president of CrossFit Risk Retention Group – a community-owned group that insures the majority of CrossFit affiliates in the US – and vice president of Nexo Insurance Services, which founded the group and administers it.

PETER EASTWOODPresident and CEOBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY SPECIALTY INSURANCE

Even before taking the reins at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Peter Eastwood

had an impressive resume. He began his career as an AIG underwriter in 1991 and quickly moved up the ranks. At AIG, he most recently served as the president and CEO of the company’s property/casualty business for the Americas. He also served as president and CEO of Lexington Insurance Company, an AIG subsidiary, before stepping into the top job at BHSI. This year, under Eastwood’s guidance, BHSI expanded into Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore, adding to its existing global presence in the US, Canada and India.

DAVID E. BOEDKER SR.CEOKEYSTONE INSURERS GROUP

David Boedker Sr. joined Keystone in 1987 and took the reins as CEO in 1999.

Under his leadership, KIG – formed originally as a cooperative arrangement between agencies – changed to a franchisor model and began an expansion that hasn’t stopped yet. Since 2003, KIG has expanded from its home base in Pennsylvania into North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois and, in 2015, Missouri. In addition to his duties at Keystone, Boedker has been a member of the board of directors of Associated Insurance Management since 1986.

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KEVIN H. KELLEYCEOIRONSHORE

Under Kevin Kelley’s

leadership, Ironshore has expanded its international presence with a global network of offices offering diverse specialty insurances. The past year alone, the company introduced more than 15 new products and programs and made enhancements throughout its global distribution platform. Ironshore was also named a top E&S carrier and ranked as an Advisen Pacesetter Innovator for the fifth consecutive year. Kelley also guided Ironshore through its $1.8 billion acquisition by Fosun in November.

LECONTE MOOREManaging director, entertainment and media divisionDEWITT STERN

With more than 20 years of experience, LeConte Moore knows his way around

the insurance business. He’s also good at designing insurance coverage for big events; Moore arranged insurance for Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the US for the World Meeting of Families. Before that, he insured Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball” video, Super Bowl XLVIII and four presidential inaugurations. He also handled claims for the canceled Super Bowl and the Ryder Cup following 9/11, as well the canceled Billy Joel/Elton John concert in Vienna. Prior to joining DeWitt Stern in 2004, Moore spent 20 years as the head of Marsh & McClellan’s entertainment practice, which he launched.

STACY BROWNPresident and managing partnerFREBERG ENVIRONMENTAL

A part of the environmental consulting and insurance industries

since 1989, Stacy Brown joined Freberg Environmental in 1998 to develop the company’s site-specific pollution and petroleum storage tank programs. In 2015, Brown significantly bolstered the company’s underwriting depth and service capabilities with the addition of key staff across the country. Brown also has been instrumental in the development of policy forms, rating methods, reinsurance placements and marketing efforts. With Freberg Environmental founder Mike Hill, Brown co-authored two award-winning loss control books for environmental consultants and contractors.

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BILL PRITCHARDPresident and CEOBEACON HILL ASSOCIATES/PARTNERONE ENVIRONMENTAL

Bill Pritchard is a third-generation insurance professional who heads Beacon

Hill Associates, a wholesale insurance broker and program administrator that specializes in

the placement of environmental insurance and other specialty coverages. Last year, the company launched The Summit, a quarterly e-publication that provides insurance professionals with discussion and analysis of trends in environmental and energy insurance.

DOMINIC VOLINI AND GENO MATTIODACo-CEOsWOLF POINT ADVISORS

Dominic Volini and Geno Mattioda partnered to purchase an established brokerage in 2014. Since then, they’ve maintained

an average 30% annual growth rate, a 65% premium growth rate and a 90% retention rate. Volini and Mattioda also launched a business and educational partnership with tech incubator 1871 and are developing a scholarship program for insurance and financial management majors. Together with 1871, Wolf Point Advisors recently launched a healthcare and employee benefits exchange. “I like to think of our firm as being at the forefront of ushering in the next generation of insurance professionals,” Volini says. “We strive to think outside the box from the traditional brokerage model of insurance in every way possible.”

MATTHEW BROWNVice president and division managerGENERAL STAR

Matthew Brown runs General Star’s new

delegated division, created when the company combined its property/casualty and E&O divisions under the same umbrella. Under Brown’s guidance, all of General Star’s fully delegated business will be managed in a single division. Brown joined General Star in 2000 as an underwriter in the casualty department, and served as manager of the Los Angeles Casualty Branch before taking over the new division.

DONALD LARSONPresident & COOGREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP

In 2010, Donald Larson became president and COO of Great American Insurance Group’s property and casualty

group, which writes more than $5 billion in premiums through 32 different niche specialty insurance businesses. A 42-year employee of Great American and its parent, American Financial Group, Larson has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career. Under Larson’s leadership, Great American has consistently received top marks for its performance: It is rated A+ by A.M. Best and has been named one of the 50 top-performing P&C insurance companies by Ward Group.

ANNE ANDERSONPresident, US operationsINTEGRO

As president of US operations for Integro, Anne Anderson provides

oversight of the operations and infrastructure of the company’s US offices, bringing her strong brokerage background to bear. Integro expanded its reach with several acquisitions last year, including HealthCare Risk Specialists, AFL Insurance Brokers’ aviation division, and Lemme Insurance Group. Prior to joining Integro, Anderson served as the property and international practice leader at Palmer & Cay and as a managing director and group leader at Marsh.

NAG RAOFounder and CEOEZLYNX

Nag Rao is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation at EZLynx,

which has become the fastest-growing agency management system and most popular comparative rater. By methodically designing the only single-platform solution for independent agents, EZLynx has introduced several game-changing features – such as Retention Center, which helps agents to manage policy renewals more proactively with better retention results – that have agents switching to EZLynx in record numbers.

W.H. “SKIP” COOPERPresidentAMWINS

With more than 25 years of experience in the wholesale insurance industry, Skip Cooper has been a valuable addition to AmWINS Group’s executive team since joining the firm in 2007. During that time, he has helped shape AmWINS’ strategic direction and further

position the firm as a global leader in the specialty insurance distribution arena. Last year, under Cooper’s leadership, AmWINS acquired The III Group, an MGA and wholesale broker, and technology company Impact Interactive. Prior to joining AmWINS, Cooper served as executive vice president of CRC Insurance Services, where he formed their property department, as well as AmRisc Underwriting. Prior to CRC, he worked in various industry positions, including underwriting at Fireman’s Fund and internships at Lloyd’s of London.

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WILLIAM R. BERKLEYExecutive chairmanWR BERKLEY

William R. Berkley founded WR Berkley as a small company in 1967,

and grew it into one of the nation’s top commercial lines P&C insurers. By 2004, WR Berkley had become a Fortune 500 company, and by 2007, it was generating revenues of $5.5 billion. Last year, Berkley moved into the role of executive chairman, handing the CEO reins over to his son, W. Robert Berkley Jr.

ROBERT S. CUBBINPresident and CEOMEADOWBROOK

Robert S. Cubbin leads Meadowbrook Insurance Group, a specialty niche-

focused commercial insurance underwriter and insurance administration services company. Founded in 1955, Meadowbrook today employs nearly 900 people and generates about $750 million in gross written premium each year. In 2015, Cubbin guided Meadowbrook through its acquisition by Fosun International.

J. POWELL BROWNPresident and CEOBROWN & BROWN

J. Powell Brown was elected president of Brown & Brown in 2007. In that

capacity, he oversees the company’s wholesale brokerage and public entity operations throughout the country. Under Powell’s leadership, Brown & Brown completed several acquisitions in 2015, including the Hall-Wright General Agency, Liberty Insurance Brokers and Bellingham Underwriters. Prior to taking the reins as president, Brown served the company as a regional executive vice president, the profit center leader for the company’s Orlando office, and as a sales producer and marketing manager in Dayton Beach, Fla. Brown also serves on the board of directors of SunTrust Bank/Central Florida.

SAM BROWNVice president, human services divisionRANCHO MESA INSURANCE SERVICES

After a stint in General Electric’s insurance division, Sam Brown joined

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, where he’s worked to grow the company’s human services product. In 2014, he became a stockholder in the company and was named vice president of its human services group. Brown was an IBA

top producer for 2015, and was the 2015 recipient of the IIABA Anthony J. DiBuduo Award. “An agent has two roles: producer and broker,” Brown says. “The producer in us must continually research prospects, look for opportunities, ask for referrals and make the cold call. The broker side must understand the market, manage client expectations, advocate for clients and understand the insurance coverage. Both roles are equally important and always need tinkering.”

DAN FREUDENTHALPresidentAGENCY FLOOD RESOURCES

Flooding is the most common –

and most costly – natural hazard risk in

the US. Dan Freudenthal recognized that risk and decided to do something about it, launching a wholesale brokerage dedicated exclusively to the private flood insurance market. To build Agency Flood Resources, Freudenthal assembled a team of experts to help insurance pros understand their clients’ flood risks and help them design custom flood insurance solutions, effectively creating a one-stop shop for insurance agencies’ flood-related needs.

MATT BANASZYNSKIExecutive vice president and CEOINDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS OF WISCONSIN

Hired as IIAW vice president at the age of 25, Matt Banaszynski was promoted

to executive vice president and CEO at just 27, becoming the youngest IIA state executive in the country. He led the IIAW to grow its E&O book of business by 20%, increase its membership base, and create new products and services to help independent agents. He also forged a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to launch a new professional development conference aimed at creating better insurance leaders, and he turned the IIAW’s government affairs program into a nationally recognized and award-winning initiative. Banaszynski was recently named as an advisory board member for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Center for Insurance and Risk Management.

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ROSS BUCHMUELLERPresident and CEOPURE

Ross Buchmueller founded PURE, a specialist insurer serving high-net-

worth individuals and families across the US, in 2006. Last year, PURE was named one of the best entrepreneurial companies in the nation by Entrepreneur magazine. The publication also recognized PURE for its outstanding company culture. Prior to founding PURE, Buchmueller launched AIG’s Private Client Group and served as its president for more than six years. He started his career at the Chubb Group, where he held several positions, including senior vice president of Chubb Insurance Company of Europe. Buchmueller serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Counties. He was also a founder of the Private Risk Management Association and continues to serve on its board of trustees.

THOMAS S. GAYNERPresident and CIOMARKEL

As a member of Markel’s three-member Office of the President,

Thomas Gayner oversees the company’s investing activities, as well as the diverse industrial and service businesses of Markel Ventures. Markel was recently valued at nearly $12 billion, and its stock has grown at an average annual rate of more than 18%. The Motley Fool has called the company a “mini Berkshire Hathaway.” Gayner also serves as chairman of the board for the Davis Series Mutual Funds and on the boards of Colfax Corporation and Graham Holdings. He’s a trustee of the Community Foundation of Richmond and a member of the Virginia Retirement System’s investment advisory committee. Prior to joining Markel in 1990, Gayner served as vice president of Davenport & Co. of Virginia.

NICOLE GOODWINChief underwriting officerHISCOX

As chief underwriting officer for Hiscox USA, Nicole Goodwin has presided over skyrocketing

business; the company reported a near 13% rise in gross written premium in the first nine months of 2015. Goodwin has held various positions at Hiscox; most recently, she served as head of US claims, where she was responsible for driving the strategic direction of Hiscox’s industry-leading claims service.

JIM JINHONGEVP, underwriting and business developmentNBIS

As executive vice president of underwriting for NBIS Construction and Transport Insurance Services, Jim

Jinhong and his team are credited with increasing NBIS’ written premium by 40% in the last year alone. Jinhong has more than 20 years of experience in underwriting and program development, the last 10 years in heavy construction. Jinhong currently manages NBIS Atlanta’s casualty and Chicago’s property underwriting operations, which includes transport liability, heavy equipment operators (GL), excess casualty, pollution and workers’ compensation. “He and his team have worked tirelessly to improve the product offering NBIS makes available to the heavy construction industry,” says Lisa McAbee, director of business development and marketing at NBIS.

PATRICK G. RYANFounder, chairman and CEORYAN SPECIALTY GROUP

Patrick Ryan is something of a legend in the insurance world. In 2010, he founded Ryan Specialty Group – today

a global organization boasting a wholesale brokerage, a select group of underwriting managers and other specialty services for agents, brokers and carriers. And RSG isn’t even the first global

insurance company Ryan has started; he also founded Aon Corporation and served as its chairman and CEO. When Ryan retired from Aon, the company had grown to more than 500 offices in 120 countries and was generating revenues in excess of $7 billion. Ryan is a member of the International Insurance Society’s Insurance Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1987, Ryan received the esteemed Horatio Alger Award, which honors those who are dedicated to the principles of integrity, hard work, perseverance and compassion for others. He also has been recognized as the College of Insurance’s Insurance Leader of the Year and is the recipient of the Insurance Federation of New York’s Free Enterprise Award.

MICHAEL PALOTAYSVP of underwritingNAS INSURANCE

Michael Palotay has been instrumental in developing NAS’s

technology and cyber liability product, recognized as one of the broadest in the market. With NAS since 2009, Palotay is a key leader in the company’s product strategy, marketing, production management and underwriting.

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BRIAN SALVATOREPresident, specialty productsZURICH INSURANCE

As the president of

Zurich North America Commercial’s specialty products business unit, Bryan Salvatore oversees the delivery of innovative insurance solutions for more challenging risks. Last year, Salvatore’s unit enhanced its cybersecurity program and expanded its international program to make coverage available to companies doing business globally. Salvatore has been with Zurich for almost two decades; in 2007, he took the reins of the company’s accident & health division, which, under his guidance, expanded its book of business through wider product offerings, new strategic relationships and improvements in servicing and tiered underwriting.

EVAN GREENBERGChairman and CEOACE GROUP

Elected to lead ACE Group in 2004, Evan Greenberg certainly had a banner 2015. Under his leadership, ACE Group acquired

insurance giant Chubb for $28.3 billion, creating a global leader in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance. In addition to his leadership at ACE Group, Greenberg serves on boards for a number of organizations, including the Coca-Cola Company, the Council of the Americas and the National Committee on United States-China Relations. He’s also chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council, serves on the Center for Strategic & International Studies Southeast Asia Advisory Board and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

BRUCE LUCASChairman and CEOHERITAGE INSURANCE HOLDINGS

Bruce Lucas leads Heritage Insurance Holdings, which has been the fastest-growing insurance company in the country for two

years running. Under Lucas’ leadership, Heritage increased its direct written premium by 134% in 2014 – the largest growth for any P&C insurer in the country. Known for his entrepreneurial and leadership skills, Lucas had built an impressive resume even before coming to Heritage. Prior to taking the lead there, he served as CEO of Infinity Investment Funds and as an attorney with Weil, Gotshal and Manges, where he represented large clients, including GE and Enron. In addition to his leadership at Heritage, Lucas serves as a board member for the Pinellas Educational Foundation.

JOHN TOMLINSONVice presidentLOCKTON COMPANIES

John Tomlinson has been providing innovative risk management solutions to the

entertainment industry for more than 15 years. He spent his early career at his family’s firm in Nashville,

where he helped pioneer insurance for touring bands. After relocating to Los Angeles, Tomlinson immersed himself in the local music landscape, and now represents some of the world’s most notable musicians in EDM, pop, rock and hip-hop. For his pioneering work in insurance for the entertainment industry, Tomlinson was recently named one of Hollywood’s New Leaders by Variety.

JOHN HOWARDCEOBB&T

John Howard has some big shoes to fill as he takes over for retired BB&T

Insurance Holdings CEO H. Wade Reece, who guided the company to become the fifth largest insurance broker in the US. However, Howard is more than up to the task. With 20 years of experience in brokerage, underwriting and executive leadership, Howard is stepping up from his previous role as vice chairman and CEO of the company’s wholesale and specialty division. Prior to BB&T’s acquisition of Crump Group in 2012, Howard served as president and CEO of that company. He also has served as president of insurance services for BISYS, president of the Prudential Select Brokerage unit of Prudential Financial and president of the Retirement Services strategic business unit for Consesco.

MIKE HEFFERNANPresident and CEOHEFFERNAN INSURANCE BROKERS

Mike Heffernan entered the insurance industry as an intern for

Lloyd’s at the age of 22. At 29, he purchased a struggling insurance brokerage with just 10 employees. That brokerage eventually became Heffernan Insurance Brokers, a firm that’s grown over the years to more than 420 employees and nine branches; last year, the company passed $100 million in revenue. Heffernan has been recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the San Francisco Business Times. He also believes in giving back; since its founding in 1988, Heffernan Insurance Brokers has given more than $4 million to charity, and Heffernan employees volunteer about 5,000 hours of their time each year. In 2015, the company’s charitable foundation launched a $100,000 scholarship partnership with College Track.

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LAURIE BRANCHPresident THE IROQUOIS GROUP

Laurie Branch has shepherded The Iroquois Group since 1984. Under her leadership, the group has grown to include more than 2,250 member agencies in 41 states – including about 650 member agencies in the last five years alone. Branch has been recognized with the New

York State Women of Excellence Award. She also serves as president of the Olean School Board and is an associate professor and member of the Board of Trustees at St. Bonaventure University.

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MICHAEL J. O’CONNORCEOAON RISK SOLUTIONS

Michael O’Connor heads up Aon Risk Solutions, the global risk

management arm of Aon plc, a global giant in risk advice and insurance. Under O’Connor’s leadership, Aon Risk Solutions was recognized as the Captive Manager of the Year and the Employee Benefits Specialist of the Year in October 2014. Before joining Aon in 2008, O’Connor was a partner at McKinsey & Company, where he served as a leader for the North American financial services practice and the North American insurance practice. He also serves on the boards of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center and Museum of Contemporary Art.

RICHARD GULLIVERPresidentHUB INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Richard Gulliver has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance

industry. As president of HUB International Limited, Gulliver oversees the company’s mergers and acquisitions; during his tenure, HUB has made more than 150 acquisitions, representing more than $1 billion in revenue. In January alone, Hub acquired the assets of three US insurance companies – RPG Solutions, Gathings Insurance Services and Cowan Benefit Services. Gulliver began his career in insurance in 1977, opening a small, one-man shop in Leamington, Ont., which still exists today as a HUB International operation. He also was instrumental in the creation of Network Solutions in 1995, and served as president of that organization. Gulliver played a key role in the creation of HUB International, and has been a critical force in its development and growth. “In the active pursuit of growth, we never lose sight of our moral mandate toward quality and fairness for our customers and employees,” he says.

TOM RILEYPresident and COOASSURED PARTNERS

Tom Riley co-founded Assured Partners in 2011 and has acted as its president and COO ever since. Under his guidance, Assured Partners has become the fastest-growing

independent insurance agency in the nation. In 2015, Riley guided the company through its acquisition by Apax Private Equity. Prior to co-founding Assured Partners, Riley spent more than 20 years with Brown & Brown, progressing from CFO to profit center leader to regional president. During that time, Riley organically grew and acquired companies with more than $350 million in revenue. His final position at Brown & Brown was as chief acquisition officer, during which he was involved in more than 100 acquisitions.

HANK WATKINSPresidentLLOYD’S NORTH AMERICA

Hank Watkins heads up market development and operations at Lloyd’s North America. Under Watkins’

leadership, Lloyd’s has become the largest surplus lines insurer largest non-US-domiciled reinsurer in the US. Lloyd’s writes 38% of its global premium in the US – to the tune of $14.6 billion in

2014. Operating from nine offices, Watkins and his team work with syndicate underwriters, coverholders and Lloyd’s brokers to maintain and grow the market’s share of the specialty lines business that initiated the first relationships between London and North America more than 100 years ago. With more than 30 years of experience as an underwriter and broker at Chubb, Barney & Barney, Johnson & Higgins, Marsh and HRH, Watkins actively promotes the insurance industry to students and young professionals. Based in New York, he’s a member of the Board of Overseers at St. John’s University’s School of Risk Management and serves on the boards of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s Northeast Division and the International Insurance Society.

J. PATRICK GALLAGHER JR.Chairman, president and CEOARTHUR J. GALLAGHER & CO.

As chairman, president and CEO of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., J. Patrick Gallagher Jr. leads a global team of more than

21,000 employees in 31 countries. The insurance broker and third-party claims administrator has grown substantially in recent years, fueled by robust M&A activity, new business production, and

the sale of additional products and services to existing clients. In 2014, total revenues grew more than 45% to top $4.6 billion, and adjusted brokerage and risk management revenues grew 30% to nearly $3.6 billion. Gallagher completed 60 acquisitions in 2014 and another 29 in the first three quarters of 2015, expanding client-service capabilities and establishing robust operating platforms throughout the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, in addition to the US. In 2015, the company was recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as a World’s Most Ethical Company for the fourth consecutive year, and by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best employers.

DAVIS D. MOORECEOWORLDWIDE FACILITIES

Davis Moore heads up Worldwide Facilities, a national insurance wholesale

broker with offices across the US. Last year, Moore led the company’s recapitalization to better position it for continued growth. He was also elected to a three-year term on the NAPSLO board of directors. In 2014, under Moore’s leadership, Worldwide Facilities saw record growth to more than $500 million in premium volume.

DAVID JORDANOwnerNETRATE SYSTEMS

David Jordan founded NetRate Systems in 1998 to create a powerful system for

ISO-based commercial lines rating focused on the MGA and program business space. Prior to the founding of NetRate, Jordan served as president of Continental Systems. Jordan, who has more than 40 years of sales management and software development experience, also sits on the board of directors of Pershing Resources.

TSUYOSHI NAGANOPresidentTOKIO MARINE

Tsuyoshi Nagano heads up Tokio Marine, a Japan-based global

network that has grown dramatically in recent years through multiple acquisitions. Under Nagano’s leadership, Tokio Marine has acquired a number of American insurance companies, including a $7.5 billion deal to acquire HCC Holdings last year, which set a record as the largest acquisition by a Japanese insurer.

RANDALL GOSSCEOUS RISK INSURANCE GROUP

Randall Goss founded US Risk Insurance Group in 1986 with a single office and a

single product line. Today, the company has 16 offices across the globe, and is one of the largest excess and surplus lines providers in the nation. In January, the company acquired Texas-based MGA American Underwriting Managers, and last year acquired an ownership interest in Strategic Program Managers. Prior to founding US Risk, Goss worked as a certified public accountant for Ernst & Young. He’s also the co-author of the book Accounting and Auditing of Financial Institutions.

THOMAS M. KUZMAPresident and CEONAUTILUS INSURANCE

Thomas Kuzma joined Nautilus Insurance Group – a leader in excess

and surplus lines P&C insurance – in 1986. Since 1997, he’s served as the company’s president and CEO, moving up from his previous position as vice president of underwriting. Last year, under his leadership, Nautilus made several enhancements to its coverage, including additions to its cyber liability, commercial excess and contractors insurance products.

ANDREW CALDWELLPresidentSMART CHOICE

Andrew Caldwell was named president of Smart Choice, a network of more than

4,500 independent agents and 80 carrier partners, in November 2014. Under Caldwell’s leadership, the network saw its biggest growth year on record in 2015, adding more than 700 new agents. As of the third quarter of 2015, the company had posted personal lines growth of 56% and commercial lines growth of 101%. That translates to about $400,000 per month in new personal lines premium and $350,000 per month in new commercial lines premium. Prior to taking the helm as president, Caldwell served Smart Choice as director of commission accounting, account director, vice president and, most recently, executive vice president of business development.

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DOMINIC CASSERLEYCEOWILLIS GROUP

Dominic Casserley became the CEO of Willis Group in January 2013 after nearly 30 years at global management

consulting firm McKinsey and Company. In that role, Casserley consulted with the world’s leading financial institutions to help solve strategic and operational issues. He also has written two books on

financial services, advised business leaders on the former UK Prime Minister’s Business Council for Britain, and has served on the Confederation of British Industry CEO Climate Change Task Force and the Lord Davies review on increasing women’s presence on corporate boards. On this side of the pond, he worked on the Presidential Task Force on Market Mechanisms under Ronald Reagan. Last year, Casserley was instrumental in Willis Group’s $18 billion merger with risk management firm Towers Watson.

HARRISON W. SCHEIDERAssistant vice presidentAMERICAN RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

In more than a decade in the insurance business, Harrison Scheider has carved out a

specialty in environmental risk. His passion for the business and conscientiousness in developing the expertise to serve his clients well earned him a spot among IBA’s top 10 producers in 2015. “The most satisfying part of my job is solving problems,” Scheider says. “Every day I have the opportunity to develop creative risk management solutions and educate my clients.”

LEIGH ANN PUSEYPresident and CEOAMERICAN INSURANCE ASSOCIATION

A prominent player in the insurance industry, Leigh Ann Pusey was

recognized by The Hill in 2015 as one of Washington’s top lobbyists – her seventh consecutive appearance on the list. She’s also been recognized by the National

Journal as one of the most influential women in Washington. Pusey is frequently sought out by national media for her expertise. Prior to leading the AIA, she served as deputy assistant to President George H.W. Bush in the White House Office of Public Liaison, communications coordinator for House Speaker Newt Gingrich and deputy director of communications for the Republican National Committee.

RAY SCOTTOExecutive directorTMPAA

Ray Scotto has been the

executive director of the Target Markets Program Administrators Association since its launch in 2002. The TMPAA now counts more than 30% of that specialized marketplace as members. The organization offers a host of resources, including an online university, a web-based program marketing portal, best practice designations and two annual meetings. The TMPAA also compiles valuable information on the program space; recent research showed program insurance premiums have nearly doubled in the last five years, outpacing the performance of the overall P&C market.

PATRICK O’LEARY SR.ProducerTRIDENT INSURANCE AGENCY

A veteran producer, Patrick O’Leary has more than 30 years of insurance

experience. With a specialty in affluent clients and million-dollar homes, O’Leary easily snagged a spot as one of IBA’s top 10 producers in 2015. According to O’Leary, the most satisfying thing about the job is helping people to protect some of the most valuable things in their lives. “In my particular role, I get to see people see their dream [of purchasing a home] come true,” he says. “I ease the new homeowner through the process of protecting their dream; from there, we continue to build the relationship through continuous interaction.”

GREG ZIMMERPresidentALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES

As president of Alliant Insurance Services, Greg Zimmer is responsible

for implementing the strategic direction of the company, as well as for mergers and acquisitions. In 2015, Zimmer oversaw several acquisitions, including Preferred Concepts, Mary Roach Insurance Agency, North Idaho Insurance, QBE US Agencies and American Benefits Consulting. Before joining Alliant in 1998, Zimmer and his partners built a successful financial services firm that was eventually sold to GMAC, where he served as senior vice president. He also served as vice president at Security Pacific.

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BRIAN HANUSCHAKPresident VICTOR O. SCHINNERER

In September, Brian Hanuschak took the top job at Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, one of the world’s largest underwriting managers of specialty insurance programs. Schinnerer currently handles nearly $500 million in premiums through a network of more than 9,600 active

brokers. Prior to his appointment as president, Hanuschak served as the company’s managing director of sales and distribution, spearheading new program development, sales and marketing strategy, and the cultivation of broker and carrier relationships. Before joining Schinnerer, Hanuschak – an industry veteran with more than three decades of experience – was a managing director in the treaty department at Guy Carpenter. He’s also held senior management positions in subsidiaries of Travelers, GE Capital and General Reinsurance.

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WANG QUNBINExecutive director and presidentFOSUN INTERNATIONAL

Under the leadership of Wang Qunbin China-based insurance giant Fosun

International raised $1.5 billion to fund acquisitions in 2015, and acquired many American insurers, including Meadowbrook and Ironshore. In addition to his duties at Fosun, Wang serves as a director of Ironshore, Nanjing Nangang, Fosun Insurance Portugal and other companies. He’s also been a director of Fosun High Tech since its establishment in 1994. Prior to joining Fosun, Wang was a lecturer at the Genetic Research Institute of Fudan University. He’s the recipient of Enterprise Asia’s Asia Pacific Outstanding Entrepreneur Award and was named 2014’s Best Asian Corporate Director by Corporate Governance Asia. Wang also has been recognized by the Harvard Business Review as one of the world’s best-performing CEOs.

GEOF MCKERNANCEONSM INSURANCE GROUP

Geof McKernan leads NSM Insurance Group, a leader in the development,

implementation, marketing and underwriting of insurance programs for

niche markets. Last year, McKernan helped shepherd a deal in which AIG purchased a controlling stake in the company, a move he said “will power our acquisitions and internal growth plans. Ultimately, AIG’s investment enables us to continue to be an entrepreneurial organization and to seek new opportunities and programs.”

TODD BIXLERPresident and CEOK&K INSURANCE GROUP

As president and CEO for K&K Insurance Group, Todd Bixler oversees

nearly 300 employees in product development, marketing, underwriting, policy issuance and claims handling for one of the leading provider of sports, leisure and entertainment insurance products throughout the US and Canada. Under Bixler’s guidance, K&K has seen a total growth rate of more than 65% in premium and more than 50% in revenue over the last five years. The company also introduced new program coverage last year for resorts, campgrounds, inflatables, Girl and Boy Scouts, RV dealerships, and K-12 accident coverage. Prior to becoming president and CEO, Bixler served as controller, CFO, chief administrative officer, executive vice president and COO.

JUSTIN BEIDLEMANProducerARBOR INSURANCE GROUP

Justin Biedleman has been in the insurance business for just over five

years, but he’s already landed on IBA’s Top Producers list. Specializing in captive insurance solutions with a focus on the construction and restaurant industries, Biedleman says his drive and determination have been key to his success. “Never give up, and don’t let a ‘no’ discourage you from obtaining a ‘yes,’” he says. “A producer can’t be afraid to pick up the phone and begin calling or hit the streets and begin walking in and out of businesses.”

PETER HANCOCKCEOAIG

AIG’s Peter Hancock has weathered a tough year. Not only did third-

quarter earnings come in well under analysts’ expectations (and down about 60% from the third quarter of 2014), but Hancock has also had to weather calls from activist investor Carl Icahn, who wants the company to separate its life and mortgage insurance subsidiaries to create three independent companies. Hancock, however, has stood firm, saying that removing AIG’s government designation as a systemically important financial institution would be a distraction from his goal of growing the company while cutting costs.

MAURICE GREENBERG Chairman and CEOSTARR COMPANIES

Maurice Greenberg is the chairman and CEO of Starr Companies, one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the world. Under Greenberg’s leadership,

Starr has launched several new products (including fraud and impersonation coverage and an umbrella product for small businesses), and has made inroads into the Chinese market with the acquisition of Shanghai-based Dazhong Insurance Company. Until 2005, Greenberg was chairman and CEO of AIG, which he led to become the world’s largest insurance and financial services company. Greenberg also serves on Yale University’s President’s Council on International Activities, as honorary vice chairman of the Council on Foreign Relations and as vice chairman of the National Committee on United States-China Relations.

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CARSON LYONSGlobal product line managerAIG

Carson Lyons has been a lifelong aviation enthusiast. That passion has put him in good stead as AIG’s global

product line manager for aerospace – and it allowed him to see a business opportunity in the burgeoning drone craze. Last year, Lyons’ unit launched AIG’s stand-alone unmanned aircraft insurance, which covers physical damage and

third-party liability in a way that’s tailored to the unique needs of commercial drone use. As the use of unmanned aircraft grows across numerous industries, Lyons and his team had to craft coverage that was versatile and innovative. And they certainly succeeded: AIG won a 2015 Business Insurance Innovation Award for the program.

BRIAN FOLEYProducerCORCORAN & HAVLIN BENEFITS GROUP

After nearly 20 years in the business, Brian Foley knows insurance inside and

out. One of IBA’s top 10 producers for 2015, Foley specializes in employee benefits. He was also among the top producers in revenue from new policies and policy growth in 2014. “This business is not easy,” he says. “The most important thing is to consistently bring value to customers and prospective customers. You have to let them know why you are different.”

RICHARD SKORUPSKIProducerMEEKER SHARKEY ASSOCIATES

One of IBA’s top producers

for 2015, Richard Skorupski had the highest total 2014 volume of any of the nominees. Skorupski says his specialty in insurance and risk management for nonprofit organizations has become extremely important to him. “Ultimately, I felt if I was going to work with businesses, I wanted to work with businesses that had a social conscience and served individuals in need,” he says. “Being an insurance agent allows me to help these organizations meet their goals by protecting their assets.”

MONICA J. LINDEENPresidentNAIC

As president of the National Association of Insurance

Commissioners, Monica Lindeen leads the organization’s efforts to establish standards and best practices, conduct peer review, and coordinate regulatory oversight among state insurance commissioners. Lindeen also

serves as the securities and insurance commissioner of Montana, where she’s overseen more than $5 million in consumer recoveries. She’s also worked hard to serve insurance providers – the number of captives domiciled in Montana has increased by more than 500% during her tenure. Her office also has reduced the approval time for new forms from three weeks to one week. Lindeen is also a recipient of the NAIC’s Excellence in Consumer Advocacy Award.

ADAM HAMMInsurance commissionerNORTH DAKOTA

North Dakota’s insurance

commissioner since 2007, Adam Hamm is an active force in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The NAIC’s immediate past president, Hamm now chairs the organization’s new Cybersecurity Task Force, which this year released a consumer ‘bill of rights’ related to data breaches. Hamm serves on numerous NAIC committees, and was elected by his fellow insurance commissioners to serve on the US Financial Stability Oversight Council, a 15-member body of the nation’s chief financial regulators, where he represents the interests of state insurance regulators across the nation.

HERB DOROWProducerMARIS BROWN ROSSELL INSURANCE GROUP

IBA’s top producer for 2015, Herb Dorow specializes in contractors’,

habitational and large property coverage at Maris Brown Rossell Insurance Group. Among IBA top producer nominees, Dorow had the largest revenue growth and second-largest client growth of 2014. The secret to his success, he says, is a passion for helping his clients. “Our clients have a business – and in most cases, a passion,” he says. “They put so much of themselves into creating this dream or success. It’s rewarding to know that on their worst day, we can be their best friend.”

ROBERT S. BENTLEYPresident, US and Canada divisionMARSH

As president of Marsh’s US and Canada division, Robert Bentley oversees US core brokerage, Canada, and a portfolio of businesses that includes sponsored

programs, private client services and The Schinnerer Group, one of the world’s leading underwriting managers of professional liability and specialty programs. In 2015, Marsh was named North America Insurance Broker of the Year by Reactions magazine. A 27-year veteran of insurance, reinsurance and catastrophe modeling, Bentley also has served as COO and a board member at Risk Management Solutions, where he took on global responsibilities for strategic execution across both internal and client-facing operations. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Guy Carpenter, where he served as global COO, Western Region manager and the head of global analytics.

BRIAN POOLProducerLONESTAR INTEGRA INSURANCE SERVICES

Brian Pool was one of IBA’s top 10 producers in 2015. A producer for Lonestar Integra

Insurance Services, Pool says the secret to his success is never forgetting his clients’ needs. “Generate clients, not customers, and always pick up the phone when it rings,” he says. “Relationships and trust are a massive part of this industry, and you must have both with your clients if you intend to work with them long-term.”

BENJAMIN M. SALZMANNCEOACUITY

Under Benjamin Salzmann’s watch, Acuity has gained national

recognition as one of the best places to work in the country – it was named the best insurance firm to work for by Fortune magazine. Acuity offers its employees unlimited tuition reimbursement, no cap on paid sick days and a 401(k) plan with an 8% company match – not to mention a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel at company head quarters. With more than $1.2 billion in revenue, Salzmann’s insistence on happy employees is paying real dividends.

RICHARD MILEYPresident and CEOBROADSTREET PARTNERS

Richard Miley founded BroadStreet Partners a little over a decade ago and has led it to become the 15th largest insurance

broker in the country, with offices from coast to coast. BroadStreet’s unique co-ownership business model is one that appeals to a variety of partners, from single-owner firms to complicated ESOPs. And it’s been a successful model: BroadStreet has seen a compound annual growth rate of 21% since its founding. Miley’s unique vision for BroadStreet connects the best talent in the industry under a proprietary partnership model that addresses the reality of the industry’s demographics, while simultaneously responding to how entrepreneurs want to pass the torch to the next generation of agency leaders. “Our approach works best for a certain type of agency owner … the ones that are not done leading, not done growing, not done building and not done mentoring,” he says.

MICHAEL RICECEOJLT SPECIALTY

Michael Rice came to JLT Group in 2014 as the CEO of the US specialty

division, where he oversees the company’s US operations and the expansion of its specialized industry and product focus. Rice is an acknowledged expert in D&O, fiduciary liability, cyber and professional liability. Last year, under his leadership, JLT Specialty launched an entertainment and hospitality division and a marine specialty practice. The company also partnered with crisis management firm Firestorm to conduct two first-of-their-kind virtual cyber breach exercises for businesses. J. BRUCE COCHRANE

PresidentRENAISSANCE ALLIANCE

J. Bruce Cochrane heads up Renaissance Alliance, one of the

fastest-growing networks in the country. Cochrane launched Renaissance Alliance in 1999. Today, the company consists of more than 90 agencies writing more than $465 million in premium. And Renaissance Alliance isn’t the only insurance innovation Cochrane has pioneered: He also built some of the first group property/liability programs in New England, as well as risk funding alternatives that include group captives, rent-a-captives and self-insured groups.

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MIKE SICARDPresident and CEOUSI INSURANCE SERVICES

Mike Sicard took the helm at USI in 2007. In 2014, he oversaw one of the company’s largest deals ever – the acquisition of 40 brokerages from Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Prior to his service at USI, Sicard served as COO for Willis Group. He also has held positions as the

director of strategic planning for Willis Group and the senior engagement manager for McKinsey & Co.

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TOBY MERRILLDivision senior vice presidentACE GROUP

Toby Merrill heads up ACE Group’s Global Cyber Risk Practice, an

award-winning unit that’s pushing the boundaries of cyber risk innovation. In June, ACE Group won the Cyber Risk Innovation of the Year Award for Loss Mitigation Services, and Merrill himself was named the US Cyber Risk Industry Person of the Year. Merrill brings two decades of experience to his position as the Global Cyber Risk Practice’s division vice president. Prior to taking the reins at the unit, Merrill was ACE Group’s vice president and national product manager for network security, privacy and technology E&O liability products in the US.

MATTHEW F. POWEREVP and head of strategic developmentLEXINGTON INSURANCE COMPANY

Matthew Power heads up strategic development at Lexington, the largest

US-based surplus lines insurer. Last year, Lexington introduced the innovative Celebrity Product RecallResponse coverage, which covers companies when a celebrity endorser has a public fall from grace. Prior to this role, Powers served as AIG’s chief innovation and strategic relationship officer. He’s also worked as president of Risk Specialists Companies, a network of wholly owned AIG brokerage subsidiaries.

TIMOTHY TURNERPresident and CEORT SPECIALTY

Timothy Turner, a 25-year veteran of the insurance industry, heads up RT Specialty, Ryan Specialty Group’s wholesale

brokerage. Earlier this year, Turner oversaw RT Specialty’s acquisition of A.J. Renner & Associates, a leading wholesale insurance broker in the life science space – and the company where he began his insurance career back in 1987. Prior to taking the reins at RT Specialty, Turner served as president of CRC Insurance Services, at the time the largest wholesale broker in the US. Before he entered the insurance industry,

he graduated from the Detroit Police Academy and served on the Wayne County SWAT Team and as an undercover officer with the Michigan State Police’s Narcotics Cocaine Task Force.

JIM HAYSCEOHAYS COMPANIES

Jim Hays founded Hays Companies in 1994. Today, it’s a leading risk management and employee benefits firm with more than 700

employees in more than 30 offices across the country, most recently in New York. It’s now the 18th-largest insurance brokerage in the US, serving industries as diverse as manufacturing, hospitality and aviation. The company also has a long-standing history of giving back, supporting charities such as the United Way and PARC, a nonprofit that provides oppor tunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

J. PAUL CONDRIN IIIPresident of commercial insuranceLIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP

J. Paul Condrin III serves as executive VP and president of commercial insurance at Liberty Mutual Insurance

Group, where he’s led the commercial insurance unit to embrace emerging technology. Last year, Liberty Mutual was the only carrier to receive Applied Systems’ Pinnacle Award for advancing the adoption of automation. Condrin also has served Liberty Mutual as president of commercial markets, SVP and CFO, and a variety of other roles.

STEVE CATLINExecutive deputy chairmanXL GROUP

Steve Catlin has been a force in

the insurance world for decades since beginning

his insurance career in London in 1973. In 1984, he founded Catlin Underwriting Agencies, and eventually transformed the small agency into the Catlin Group, a multinational insurance company with 2,300 employees in 25 countries. Last May, the Catlin Group was acquired by the Ireland-based XL Group, and Catlin became that company’s executive deputy chairman. He was also inducted into the prestigious International Insurance Society’s Insurance Hall of Fame last year.

DAVE O’BRIENCEOZYWAVE

Under Dave O’Brien’s

leadership, insurance technology provider Zywave has expanded its business with the

introduction of new products and the acquisition of several insurance technology companies, including P&C software provider Intygral, PLAN DOC Builder and FutureOffice Network. Zywave also has formed strategic partnerships with other companies, including TRICAST and Sitkins Group.

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T.J. RYAN III CEOISU INSURANCE AGENCY NETWORK

T.J. Ryan III has headed up the ISU Insurance Agency Network since

1985. Under his guidance, ISU has grown to become the second-largest agency network in the US, boasting more than $2 billion in written premium, more than 150 offices in 28 states and more than 1,600 full-time employees. It provides its clients with exclusive coverage, expert claims advice and access to more than 350 insurance companies and a nationwide database of insurance knowledge.

ROGER LUTTRELLChairmanCOMBINED AGENTS OF AMERICA

In 2015, Roger Luttrell took over as the chairman of Combined Agents of

America. Founded in 1997, CAA has grown from eight member agents to 52 members who wrote more than $738.5 million in combined property and casualty premiums in 2014. In addition to his duties as CAA chairman, Luttrell is a 35-year industry veteran and a partner and owner of Benton Luttrell Brown Insurance.

GREGORY L. WILLIAMSCEOACRISURE

An accomplished entrepreneur and business leader, Gregory Williams has successfully founded and managed three companies in the course of his career.

In 2005, he co-founded Arcisure to invest in independent insurance agencies throughout the US. Under Williams’ leadership, the company has successfully completed more than 110 acquisitions since its inception. And with a compounded annual growth rate of 81%, Arcisure has become one of the largest privately owned insurance companies in the country. Williams also has been a board advisor to various companies, including a top retail design firm, and he’s provided expansion consultation to a production company that has produced more than 60 documentaries for A&E.

DIANA GRANILLOVice presidentLEAVITT UNITED INSURANCE

Diana Granillo began her insurance career in 1986 and has worked for both insurance agencies and companies. She

joined United Valley in 2004, leading the daily operations of the agency. In January 2006, the board of directors elected Granillo vice president. In addition to the retail agency operations of United Valley, she also has managed the marketing, services and programs departments of the membership organization. In 2014, the retail agency was renamed Leavitt United Insurance, and Granillo has focused on building that entity since its separation from United Valley. She is also an integral part of the merger team, playing a key role in the more than a dozen acquisitions the agency has made over the last 12 years.

JOEL CAVANESSPresidentRISK PLACEMENT SERVICES

As president of Risk Placement

Services, Joel Cavaness heads up one of the nation’s largest managing general agencies and fastest-growing P&C wholesalers. His guidance helps drive the company’s innovative program design, commitment to long-term relationships and high professional standards to ensure continual growth. Over the past two years, RPS has acquired nine companies, including Monument Insurance Services, Excel Insurance Services and American Wholesalers Underwriting.

BRUCE G. KELLEYPresident, CEO and treasurerEMC INSURANCE GROUP

Bruce Kelley has been president of EMC Insurance Group, one of the

world’s largest mutual and cooperative insurers, since 1992.Under Kelley’s leadership, EMC has been named one of the most trustworthy financial companies by Forbes. It also ranked among Chief Executive magazine’s best companies for leaders. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO, Kelley served as executive vice president of EMC and Employers Mutual Casualty Company.

CURTIS BARTONCo-founder and presidentVENTURE PACIFIC INSURANCE SERVICES

In 1997, Curtis Barton co-founded Venture Pacific Insurance Services, and

the company quickly grew to become one of the country’s top independent brokerages, providing commercial and personal lines, benefits, surety, risk management, and financial services. Under Barton’s guidance, the company has maintained double-digit growth each year, including a 33% revenue increase last year. Barton also guided Venture Pacific through the expansion of its proprietary online niche platform and completed the acquisition of two Southern California firms.

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BROOKS CHASEPresident, Distinguished SpecialtyDISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS

A 30-year industry veteran, Brooks Chase leads Distinguished Specialty, a division created by Distinguished Programs’ acquisition of Fulcrum, which combined with

Distinguished’s National Specialty Underwriters. The new entity, created in October 2015, specializes in the hospitality and real estate industries – industries on which Chase is an acknowledged expert, having spent the majority of his career managing risk for the resort and hotel industries. Prior to taking the lead at Distinguished Specialty, Chase was president and CEO of the Resort Hotel Association, a member-owned organization that provides insurance products and risk management support for resorts and luxury hotels. He’s also served as president and CEO of the Resort Hotel Insurance Company, and as a member of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Risk Management Committee.

BRADY KELLEYExecutive directorNAPSLO

Since 2011, Brady Kelley has served

as executive director of NAPSLO, where he guides the organization’s staff activities, member services and business operations. Last year, under Kelley’s guidance, NAPSLO pushed for and won several important legislative victories, including the modernization of surplus lines regulation and taxation under the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act. Prior to joining NAPSLO, Kelley served as the chief financial and business strategy officer for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

REID FRENCHCEOAPPLIED SYSTEMS

Reid French joined Applied Systems in 2011 after seven years at Intergraph

Corporation, where he was instrumental in growing revenue by 60%. As CEO, French spearheads the development and fostering of relationships in the Applied community. Under French’s leadership, Applied Systems is meeting the demands of an increasingly global market by providing new technology and expanded multinational capabilities. And French’s vision is paying off: Three Applied products were chosen by IBA readers as top in their field in the 2015 ‘Best of the Best’ rankings – more than any other company.

INGA BEALECEOLLOYD’S OF LONDON

Inga Beale made history in 2013 when she was appointed the first female CEO

in Lloyd’s of London’s 325+-year history. Prior to taking the helm at Lloyd’s, Beale was group CEO at Canopius Group. She’s also served as group CEO at Convernium in Switzerland and as a member of the Group Management Board for Zurich Insurance Group.

RAY WILLIAMSCEOSECURERISK

Ray Williams has led SecureRisk since 1995. One of the largest agency

partnerships in the nation, SecureRisk is owned by nearly 100 independent agencies, combining to write more than $2 billion in premium for more than 200,000 clients; last year, it was ranked the fourth-largest agency partnership in the nation. In addition to leading SecureRisk, Williams is the CEO and principal of Williams, Turner and Mathis, an insurance agency founded by his father in 1970. His accolades include the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia’s Past President Award and the IIAGA Edgar Dunlop Award.

BILL TRZOSPresident and CEOATLAS GENERAL

Under the leadership of Bill Trzos, Atlas General has become one of the largest

privately owned program administrators in the nation, and last year entered a strategic partnership with Vanbridge General, an insurance intermediary, capital advisory, insurance and reinsurance management firm. But smart business moves are nothing new to Trzos. In 2001, he founded Cypress Point Insurance Services, where he managed more than $300 million in program premium. Later, he headed the commercial division at Arrowhead Financial, where he managed a team that wrote more than $1.6 billion in premium.

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VALERIA RICOCEOCONFIE

Valeria Rico has led the team since at Confie 2012. In four years, she more than doubled the company’s revenues from just under $200 million in 2012 to nearly $500 million at the end of 2015. In the same time, she has grown Confie’s reach to more than 680 offices in 17

states. Under Rico’s leadership, Confie has become the leading personal lines insurance brokerage in the US.

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EDWARD LARGENT IIIPresident and CEOWESTFIELD INSURANCE

Diverse leadership roles in the property & casualty industry have given Ed Largent unique

perspective as the head of Westfield Insurance. Largent joined Westfield in 1986, has been president since 2011, and was appointed CEO and president in July 2015. Under his leadership, Westfield was named the Florida Association of Insurance Agents’ Trusted Choice Company of the Year. Throughout his career, Largent has demonstrated success in leading teams focused on operational performance improvements, strengthening distribution management, investing in claims capabilities, and enhancing the quality and depth of data and analytics to improve business performance.

Largent’s diverse background is also exemplified in his volunteer activities; he serves on the boards of several industry and civic organizations.

JIM MASIELLOFounder, chairman and CEOSIAA

Jim Masiello is a leading voice in the insurance industry. In 1983, he

created the Satellite Agency Network and grew it to 310 member agencies in New England and eastern New York. That model was replicated in 1995 as the Strategic

Insurance Agency Alliance [SIAA], which has created more than 3,400 new independent agencies since 2000. In 2015, SIAA celebrated its 20th anniversary and signed its 5,700th member. Members also reached more than $6 billion in combined in-force premium in 2015. Masiello is a former president of the New Hampshire Life Underwriters Association and the New England Life Insurance Forum.

KARI A. DYBDAHLVice president and brokerAMERICAN RISK MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

Although still young, Kari Dybdahl has made a name for herself in the insurance

industry. She was one of IBA’s top 10 producers for 2015, having grown her book of business by more than 100% each year for the last five years. She also created her own production team last year and recently designed an insurance program for a franchisor with more than 300 franchises, as well as designing and implementing a franchise division for American Risk Management Resources.

DAVID LOCKTONChairmanLOCKTON COMPANIES

In 2003, David Lockton became chairman of the company founded by

his late brother, Jack. Since then, Lockton has guided the firm to become the world’s largest privately held independent insurance broker. Under his leadership, Lockton has sustained its record of four decades of continuous growth, as well as a 95% client retention rate.

DAVID A. SAMPSONPresident and CEOPCI

David Sampson heads up the Property Casualty Insurers Association of

America, which represents more than 1,000 homeowner’s, auto and business insurance companies that together write 39% of the country’s property & casualty insurance. Sampson spearheads the PCI’s advocacy efforts on the state, federal and global levels. That advocacy paid off with several legislative victories last year, including the inclusion of insurance provisions in omnibus spending bills and a new law in Ohio that helped close coverage gaps for transportation network drivers.

BERND HEINZEExecutive directorAAMGA

Bernd Heinze is the executive director of the American Association of

Managing General Agents, an organization that represents the interests of MGAs before regulatory agencies, elected officials and other industry associations in the US, Canada and Europe. Heinze is a staunch advocate for AAMGA’s mission and is a leading voice in the industry, making his presence known in legislative matters like TRIA and NARAB and helping to recruit, train and retain the next generation of insurance professionals. In 2015, Heinze helped facilitate the entry of several Canadian MGAs into the organization.

CONSTANTINE IORDANOU ChairmanARCH CAPITAL GROUP

Constantine Iordanou has been the president and CEO of Arch Capital

Group since 2003 and chairman of the board since 2009. Under his leadership, the company’s stock shares hit a new 52-week high in October. Prior to joining Arch, Iordanou served in a variety of positions at Zurich Financial Services and its affiliates, including as senior executive vice president of group operations and business development for Zurich Financial Services, president of Zurich-American Specialties, COO and CEO of Zurich-American and CEO of Zurich North America.

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COMPANY PAGE NAME

AAMGA 46 Bernd Heinze

ACE Group 32 Evan Greenberg

ACE Group 42 Toby Merrill

Acrisure 43 Gregory L. Williams

Acuity 40 Benjamin M. Salzmann

Agency Flood Resources 30 Dan Freudenthal

AIG 38 Peter Hancock

AIG 39 Carson Lyons

Alliant Insurance Services 36 Greg Zimmer

American Insurance Association 36 Leigh Ann Pusey

American Risk Management Resources

46 Kari A. Dybdahl

American Risk Management Resources

36 Harrison W. Scheider

AmWINS 29 W.H. "Skip" Cooper

Aon Risk Solutions 34 Michael J. O'Connor

Applied Systems 44 Reid French

Arbor Insurance Group 38 Justin Beidleman

Arch Capital Group 46 Constantine Iordanou

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 34 J. Patrick Gallagher Jr.

Assured Partners 34 Tom Riley

Atlas General 44 Bill Trzos

BB&T 32 John Howard

Beacon Hill Associates/PartnerOne Environmental

28 Bill Pritchard

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

26 Peter Eastwood

BroadStreet Partners 40 Richard Miley

Brown & Brown 30 J. Powell Brown

Burns & Wilcox Brokerage 26 Denis Brady

Combined Agents of America 43 Roger Luttrell

Confie 45 Valeria Rico

Corcoran & Havlin Benefits Group 39 Brian Foley

CrossFit Risk Retention Group 26 Eric Reingen

DeWitt Stern 27 LeConte Moore

Distinguished Programs 44 Brooks Chase

EMC Insurance Group 43 Bruce G. Kelley

COMPANY PAGE NAME

EZLynx 28 Nag Rao

Fosun International 38 Wang Qunbin

Freberg Environmental 27 Stacy Brown

General Star 28 Matthew Brown

Great American Insurance Group 28 Donald Larson

Hays Companies 42 Jim Hays

Heffernan Insurance Brokers 32 Mike Heffernan

Heritage Insurance Holdings 32 Bruce Lucas

Hiscox 31 Nicole Goodwin

HUB International Limited 34 Richard Gulliver

Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin

30 Matt Banaszynski

Integro 28 Anne Anderson

Ironshore 27 Kevin H. Kelley

ISU Insurance Agency 43 T.J. Ryan III

JLT Specialty 40 Michael Rice

K&K Insurance Group 38 Todd Bixler

Keystone Insurers Group 26 David E. Boedker Sr.

Leavitt United Insurance 43 Diana Granillo

Lexington Insurance Company 42 Matthew F. Power

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group 26 Chad E. Mumford

Liberty Mutual Insurance Group 34 J. Paul Condrin III

Lloyd’s of London 46 Inga Beale

Lloyd's North America 46 Hank Watkins

Lockton Companies 40 David Lockton

Lockton Companies 32 John Tomlinson

Lonestar Integra Insurance Services

39 Brian Pool

Maris Brown Rossell Insurance Group

31 Herb Dorow

Markel 40 Thomas S. Gayner

Marsh 30 Robert S. Bentley

Meadowbrook 39 Robert S. Cubbin

Meeker Sharkey Associates 39 Richard Skorupski

NAIC 44 Monica J. Lindeen

NAPSLO 31 Brady Kelley

INDEX BY COMPANY

COMPANY PAGE NAME

NAS Insurance 31 Michael Palotay

Nautilus Insurance 35 Thomas M. Kuzma

NBIS 35 Jim Jinhong

NetRate Systems 39 David Jordan

North Dakota 38 Adam Hamm

NSM Insurance Group 46 Geof McKernan

PCI 31 David A. Sampson

PURE 30 Ross Buchmueller

Rancho Mesa Insurance Services 40 Sam Brown

Renaissance Alliance 43 J. Bruce Cochrane

Risk Placement Services 42 Joel Cavaness

RT Specialty 31 Timothy Turner

Ryan Specialty Group 42 Patrick G. Ryan

SecureRisk 44 Ray Williams

SIAA 46 Jim Masiello

Smart Choice 35 Andrew Caldwell

Starr Companies 38 Maurice Greenberg

The Hanover Group 26 Fred Eppinger

The Iroquois Group 33 Laurie Branch

TMPAA 36 Ray Scotto

Tokio Marine 35 Tsuyoshi Nagano

Trident Insurance Agency 36 Patrick O'Leary Sr.

US Risk Insurance Group 35 Randall Goss

USI Insurance Services 41 Mike Sicard

Venture Pacific Insurance Services 43 Curtis Barton

Victor O. Schinnerer 37 Brian Hanuschak

Westfield Insurance 46 Edward Largent III

Willis Group 36 Dominic Casserley

Wolf Point Advisors 28 Geno Mattioda

Wolf Point Advisors 28 Dominic Volini

Worldwide Facilities 35 Davis D. Moore

WR Berkley 30 William R. Berkley

XL Group 42 Steve Catlin

Zurich Insurance 32 Brian Salvatore

Zywave 42 Dave O'Brien