WR Berkley

WR Berkley sees no let-up in momentum after 25% Q4 GWP growth

WR Berkley’s CEO has expressed confidence that growth driven by increases in rate and exposure will continue in 2022, while noting he is also not seeing any let-up in opportunity in the excess and surplus lines market “in any way, shape or form”.

WR Berkley reports record underwriting income of $261mn in Q4

WR Berkley has reported a strong earnings beat for the fourth quarter, with operating income increasing to $284.3mn from $173.0mn in the prior period and underwriting income increasing to a record $260.9 as it said factors driving top and bottom line growth should remain for the foreseeable future.

Berkley launches construction solutions unit with Starr’s Robinson as president

WR Berkley has formed Berkley Construction Solutions to provide excess liability insurance for contractors throughout the construction industry, with former Starr Insurance Companies executive Andrew Robinson named president of the new business.

W/R/B Underwriting hires Patel as senior construction underwriter

WR Berkley’s Lloyd’s business W/R/B Underwriting has appointed Jaymin Patel as senior construction underwriter.

WR Berkley names Markel’s Hastings as next Lloyd’s CEO as Brosnan steps down

WR Berkley Syndicate Management has named James Hastings as its next CEO, with the former Markel International wholesale managing director set to take over the reins from David Brosnan in 2022.

Berkley launches workplace violence insurance program

Berkley Re Solutions and Berkley Program Specialists have launched an insurance program for workplace violence in partnership with Dais.

Admiral Insurance Group names Smyrl president

WR Berkley’s Admiral Insurance Group has appointed Daniel Smyrl as president, succeeding Curtis Fletcher who has been named chairman.

Berkley: Flow of business from admitted to E&S accelerated in Q3

The amount of business flowing from the admitted markets into the excess and surplus lines sector has continued to accelerate in Q3 2021, according to WR Berkley president and CEO Rob Berkley, who said the carrier has also been taking advantage of casualty treaty opportunities to grow its reinsurance book.

WRB beats Q3 estimates as operating income more than doubles

WR Berkley saw its third quarter 2021 operating income more than double year on year as underwriting profit soared despite the impact of catastrophe losses with the company ultimately reporting results that comfortably beat analysts’ estimates.

Berkley Construction Professional taps WTW’s Baez for senior underwriting role

Berkley Construction Professional (BCP) has hired Dennis Baez as senior vice president of underwriting in a move which the WR Berkley subsidiary said will improve its understanding of its clients’ needs.

WR Berkley names Riddell as Berkley Re Australia CEO

WR Berkley has named Glen Riddell CEO of Berkley Re Australia in addition to his current role as CEO of its Asia region, succeeding Tony Piper, who will continue as CEO of Berkley Re Australia until the end of this year.

WRB pushes pricing on rates already above loss trends

WR Berkley CEO Rob Berkley said there is “more to come” from the (re)insurer after it posted a record level of quarterly underwriting profit in Q2 2021, with each of the carrier’s business lines bar workers compensation getting rate rises that exceeded loss trends and the company continuing to push for further price increases.

WR Berkley posts record quarterly underwriting income with comfortable earnings beat

WR Berkley has ended Q2 2021 with record quarterly underwriting income as rate increases continued to outpace loss costs while operating income comfortably beat analysts’ consensus.

Berkley forms small business unit with initial transportation focus

WR Berkley has announced the formation of Berkley Small Business Solutions, a new operating unit led by Jeanne Fenster that will initially focus on preferred risks in the non-fleet transportation market.

WR Berkley hires Argo’s Higley as inland marine unit president

WR Berkley has hired Argo Group’s David Higley as president for its inland marine focused platform Berkley Fire & Marine Underwriters, replacing Rick Beasley who has held the role on an interim basis.

Berkley Mid-Atlantic hires Chubb’s Middleton to succeed president Kearns

Berkley Mid-Atlantic Group (BMAG) has hired Michelle Middleton as its new president to succeed John Kearns who has stepped up to the role of chairman.

WR Berkley hires Axis’ Myers as it continues third party capital push

Axis Capital’s head of third party capital Vincent Myers has joined WR Berkley as the US insurer looks to strengthen its play in the space, The Insurer has learned.

WR Berkley launches management liability platform led by ex-Travelers exec Thompson

WR Berkley has launched a new management liability-focused platform that is headed up by former Travelers and Chubb executive Charles Thompson.

Eppolito promoted to Berkley Oil & Gas president as Randall named chair

WR Berkley Corporation has named Linda Eppolito as president of Berkley Oil & Gas, succeeding Carol Randall, who has been appointed chair of the operating unit.