E&S MGA WestCongress names ex-Marsh exec Kerr as CEO

WestCongress Insurance Holdings – an MGA formed in 2017 by First Mercury executives – has appointed former Marsh executive Steven Kerr as its president and CEO.

Kerr has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, most of which was spent at Marsh. According to his LinkedIn profile, he left the broker at the end of 2019.

His most recent role was managing director and global engagement partner at Marsh, where he worked with large global clients in a strategic risk consulting capacity.

Kerr also has experience in wholesale and retail distribution and has led teams of producers in driving revenue growth, including serving as Marsh’s Chicago office head, Americas growth leader and CEO of Seabury and Smith, Marsh’s consumer and commercial products group.

Richard Smith, chairman at WestCongress, said Kerr is “the right leader” for WestCongress at this stage in our development”.

Smith added: “His extensive background in specialty insurance and with excess and surplus lines distribution channels will help WestCongress strengthen its distribution relationships and expand its product offerings.”

The Detroit-based company is the parent of specialty insurance producer WestCongress Insurance Services and claims administrator WestCongress Risk Services.

Kerr commented his new company will be looking for “every opportunity to streamline the current operation, expand product offerings, develop existing broker relationships and find new distribution channels”.

WestCongress Insurance Services was formed in 2017 with Lloyd’s coverholder authorisation.

It was founded by four principals that were all part of the senior management team of First Mercury Financial Corporation and CoverX Specialty. In addition to Smith, it was founded by president Edward LaFramboise and executive vice presidents Thomas Dulapa,and Michael Roskiewicz.

A CEO was not named when the company launched.

WestCongress offers primary and excess general liability insurance solutions throughout the US for targeted small and middle market risks in the energy, artisan contractor and security industries and to other niche and underserved market segments.