Howden US and ICW Group Insurance have both announced senior appointments aimed at strengthening their positions in the US specialty insurance market.
Howden US has appointed Mark Peterson (pictured above, left) as head of its construction, infrastructure and surety practice. Based in the US, Peterson will be responsible for building out the practice and developing a holistic offering for clients in the sector.
Peterson, who has more than 30 years of legal and insurance experience, will work with Mike Parrish, CEO of Howden US, and Naresh Dade, global head of construction, as part of the broker's global specialty platform. His appointment is part of Howden's push to expand its US operations, combining global reach with local market expertise.
He previously led the professional liability team at Aon, advising constructors, architects, engineers, and owners on complex project risks. Before moving into broking, he built a national litigation practice as a partner at Stinson Leonard Street LLP and a shareholder at Koley Jessen P.C., specialising in construction, engineering, intellectual property, and professional liability disputes.
ICW Group has named Jake Sokol (pictured above, right) as head of excess casualty for ICW Specialty, the carrier’s new specialty products unit. The division is expected to launch its first offering, excess casualty, next year.
Sokol will be based in Atlanta alongside ICW Specialty’s chief underwriting officer, Tracey Estes. He joins from Everest Insurance, where he was vice president and head of national accounts, excess casualty. He has also held senior underwriting roles at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and C.V. Starr.
ICW Group said the appointment supports its strategy to diversify beyond its established lines. Sokol will oversee product development, underwriting strategy, and team building as the group seeks to establish a foothold in the excess and surplus (E&S) market.
