Avatar MGA Ltd has named Jenna Contreras (pictured) as US head of distribution, a role designed to strengthen its London market presence and deepen relationships with wholesale brokers.
Contreras will report to chief operating officer Adrian Williams and head of property underwriting Clare Bailey. Her responsibilities include providing US market insights and supporting underwriting strategy, particularly for non-habitational property risks with total insured values ranging from $20 million to $1.5 billion.
Bailey said Contreras’ experience would support execution of the firm’s underwriting plans and enhance engagement with brokers.
Contreras joins from Allianz Commercial, where she served as portfolio solutions leader for North America. She has also held roles at Risk Placement Services, Prime Insurance Company, and SIS Wholesale Insurance Services, and currently serves on the board of Young Risk Professionals.
Howden has appointed Patrick Thomas as managing director within its US trucking specialty practice, as the firm seeks to expand its transportation and logistics platform.
Thomas will lead the company’s US trucking strategy, overseeing the development of a nationwide practice serving motor carriers, owner-operators, fleets, and logistics providers. He will work alongside retail and specialty teams to deliver risk, insurance, and advisory services tailored to the sector.
According to the company, Thomas brings more than 18 years of experience in trucking and transportation, with a focus on building teams and structuring insurance programs in complex risk environments.
Mike Parrish, CEO of Howden Americas, said the appointment reflects the firm’s focus on specialization, stating: “Trucking is the backbone of the US economy, and our clients in this sector need specialists who truly understand their risks and operating realities.”
Thomas will also join the firm’s senior US leadership team.
Alliant Insurance Services has appointed Keith Storie as senior vice president within its employee benefits group, based in Washington state.
Storie will work with a range of clients to develop health and welfare strategies aligned with organizational goals, the company said.
Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits, said Storie’s background across carrier and consulting environments would support clients facing complex benefits challenges.
Storie brings four decades of experience spanning ancillary carrier operations and consulting. His work has included plan design, labor relations, compliance, and strategic planning across sectors, such as public entities, utilities, and nonprofit organizations.
Corebridge Financial has appointed Christopher Filiaggi as interim chief financial officer, effective April 24, 2026, as the company prepares for its planned merger with Equitable Holdings.
Filiaggi, currently chief accounting officer, will report to president and CEO Marc Costantini and join the executive leadership team. The company said the appointment is intended to provide continuity and financial oversight during the transition period.
“Chris is a deeply respected leader within our world-class finance team, with the experience and judgment to guide the organization through this transition,” said Costantini. “This internal appointment reflects the depth of talent and financial acumen we have at Corebridge.”
Filiaggi previously held finance leadership roles at Corebridge and American International Group, and earlier worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP advising insurance clients on accounting and regulatory matters.
He will serve in the interim role until completion of the transaction, after which Equitable Holdings’ CFO is expected to assume the position at the combined entity.
