ICW Group, MagMutual, ACORD, Gallagher, Cowbell, Markel Insurance and CRC Group have announced executive appointments, board updates and office leadership changes.
ICW Group said it will add Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) solutions as part of ICW Specialty and has appointed Travis Murnan (pictured top, left) as head of alternative risk transfer. ART is expected to go to market later this year as part of ICW Specialty, which launched in 2025 to support excess and surplus products and other coverage solutions.
“Travis brings a rare depth of expertise across data, analytics, and actuarial science, paired with the strategic mindset required to translate insights into durable solutions, and I could not be more excited to welcome Travis to our team,” said Tracey Estes, chief underwriting officer, ICW Specialty.
Murnan has nearly 15 years of insurance experience spanning actuarial pricing, captive and alternative risk consulting. He spent the last decade at Lockton, most recently serving as senior vice president and analytics practice leader.
MagMutual Insurance Co. appointed Stephanie A. Sheps, Esq., (pictured top, center) as chief defense officer. Sheps will oversee MyDefense, MagMutual’s liability defense organization, which launched in November 2025 and integrates legal, analytical and emotional support.
“Stephanie's expertise and vision will be pivotal in advancing MagMutual's mission to redefine the way we protect our policyholders,” said Neil Morrell, CEO of MagMutual.
Sheps brings more than 25 years of experience in claims strategy and professional liability, including prior roles at Allied World Assurance Co. and Coverys.
ACORD announced its 2026 board of directors. The board will be chaired by Robert Kelly AM (pictured top, right), with Kevin Tobin serving as vice chair. The board has 18 members, including seven new directors: James Bobbitt, Christopher Jones, Michael Keating, Andrew Kramer, Sandi Perillo-Simmons, Sean Ramalho and Kathleen Ziegler.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. appointed Christine Hale, MD, as its first chief medical officer for US Benefits. Hale will lead the Gallagher Benefits & HR Consulting Division’s clinical vision. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Hale to Gallagher,” said Robby White, US Benefits business line leader, Gallagher.
Cowbell appointed Simon Hughes (pictured immediately above) as chief commercial officer. Hughes previously served as SVP, global distribution and GM, UK, and will oversee global commercial strategy including distribution, partnerships, international expansion and market development. Cowbell said it partners with more than 35,000 producers globally.
Markel Insurance promoted Ben House (pictured immediately above) to director, energy and power, effective immediately. House is based in London and will report to Rohan Davies, managing director, London Market. Davies said electricity demand is expected to increase by 25% by 2030.
CRC Group opened a Richmond, Virginia, office led by Tracey Fallon (pictured immediately above), named office president. Fallon joined CRC Group in 2020 and most recently served as a select underwriting senior team leader in the Charlotte office.
