The insurance industry continues to experience and active period of senior leadership appointments and team expansions across multiple organizations, signaling ongoing investment in talent and strategic growth.
CRC Group expands specialty division
CRC Group has added three professionals to its growing CRC specialty division.
Ryan Degale (pictured, left) rejoins as a broker based in Orlando, with expertise in property brokerage for coastal, distressed, and exposed risks. Jim Phillipp (pictured, center) joins the Chicago office as senior underwriting team leader, bringing over a decade of experience in casualty underwriting and brokerage. Will Valentine (pictured, right), appointed as a broker in Philadelphia, specializes in healthcare and life sciences, focusing on D&O, EPLI, and cyber liability.
These appointments strengthen CRC Specialty’s capacity across complex property, casualty, and professional lines. The hires reflect CRC’s continued focus on equipping brokers with resources to address increasingly technical market challenges.
Cowbell strengthens mid-market and claims leadership
Cowbell, a provider of adaptive cyber and specialty insurance for small and mid-sized enterprises, has bolstered its leadership with two key appointments.
Jessica Klipphahn has been named head of North America Mid-Market, bringing over 15 years of cyber and professional liability experience from WTW. She will lead Cowbell’s mid-market expansion and oversee strategic distribution.
In addition, Stephanie Hewerdine joins as director of claims. With 25 years of experience, including roles at Coalition and Sedgwick, she will manage Cowbell’s US claims operations, ensuring coordination across internal teams and external partners.
Howden expands US operations
Howden has appointed Ben Hanback as executive vice president of Howden US. Based in Nashville, Hanback will focus on growing the firm’s US Health & Benefits division and expanding operations across Tennessee and the Mid-South. He brings over three decades of leadership experience from Aon, Regions, and Unum Life.
NFP strengthens Northeast broking leadership
NFP, an Aon company, has appointed Andrew Keefe as senior vice president and Northeast Broking Leader.
Based in Albany, Keefe will oversee property and casualty operations in the region. With nearly 20 years in the commercial insurance sector and a CPCU designation, he will focus on enhancing carrier relationships and broking excellence.
Alliant adds leadership in human capital division
Alliant Insurance Services has appointed Drew Steinhoff as first vice president within its Human Capital division. With more than 15 years of experience in compensation design, incentive planning, and M&A integration, Steinhoff will advise clients on aligning HR strategy with business performance.
Collectively, these appointments underscore the industry’s continued focus on leadership depth, specialized expertise, and expanding capacity to serve clients amid a competitive and evolving insurance landscape.
