Several insurance brokerages, specialty distributors and insurers have announced new hires, promotions and board appointments in the last 24hrs.
CRC Group expands specialty expertise with key broker hires
CRC Group, a national wholesale specialty insurance distributor, has strengthened its CRC Specialty division with the addition of Erica Yampierre (pictured immediately above, left), Austin Martin (pictured immediately above, right), and Lily Howard.
The appointments enhance the company’s professional lines capabilities and support complex client placements across the US.
Erica Yampierre joins as a broker based in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing experience in cyber and errors & omissions insurance, including underwriting, business development, and risk analysis. Austin Martin, also based in Atlanta, joins as a broker with more than 20 years of experience in liability, professional liability, and cyber liability, having led professional liability programs at carrier partners. Lily Howard joins the San Francisco team as a casualty broker, providing account coordination, client service, and placement support for complex accounts.
CFC, the specialist insurer and cyber market leader, has appointed Nick Line (pictured immediately above) as chief underwriting officer. Line joins from Markel International, bringing global leadership experience, an actuarial background, and expertise managing multi-billion-pound portfolios.
Line's role will focus on leading underwriting teams to support CFC's growth strategy. He succeeds Matt Taylor, who had been interim CUO since February 2025.
Ames & Gough elevates two equity partners
Ames & Gough, a risk management and insurance consulting firm for professional service organizations, has promoted Jessica Witherow (pictured immediately above, left) and Justin Gough (pictured immediately above, right) to equity partners.
Witherow, based in Washington, DC, leads the Premier Select Team for small-market accounts, while Justin Gough, based in Charlotte, NC, oversees the Employee Benefits Practice, supporting small and mid-sized employers.
SPG appoints vice president of business development
Specialty Program Group (SPG) LLC has appointed Travis Carpenter as vice president of business development for its infrastructure programs division.
Carpenter brings more than 25 years of insurance industry experience across underwriting, independent agent distribution and carrier-broker partnerships.
In his new role, he will lead national sales initiatives, expand broker engagement and strengthen carrier relationships across SPG's infrastructure programs, which include builder's risk, crane and rigging, elevator contractors, alarm and security and excess habitational coverage.
C3 Risk & Insurance Services promotes five new partners
C3 Risk & Insurance Services has announced partner promotions for Mike Bialik, Lindsay Bonfiglio, Carrie Conejo, and Kelly Rulon.
The appointments reflect the company’s focus on leadership development and diversity across operations, client services, employee benefits, and retail lines. The promotions signal a broader strategy to enhance decision-making and operational input from across the organization, beyond sales performance.
Plasnomic adds insurer perspective to plastic repair standards
Plasnomic has appointed Mike Bundra (pictured, top left), auto technical claim director at Allstate Insurance Company, to its Plastic Repair Alliance Council.
Bundra will contribute insurer insight to the development of industry standards for automotive plastic repairs, supporting consistent, safe, and cost-effective repair practices across the collision repair ecosystem.
AmTrust Title adds senior leadership
AmTrust Title Insurance Company has appointed Andi Stroud (pictured, top center) as senior vice president and regional manager for Georgia.
Stroud brings more than 30 years of experience in title insurance and real estate services, having led one of the top five agency operations for a national underwriter. She will focus on strengthening agency partnerships, expanding market reach, and driving operational and revenue growth.
5Star Life names new board chair
5Star Life Insurance Company has appointed Ronald R. Gendreau (pictured top, right) as chair of its board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The appointment is expected to support 5Star Life’s strategic growth and product development initiatives.
