Five major insurance companies announced significant leadership changes on Tuesday, signaling strategic shifts.
Mercury Insurance has appointed Steve Bennett (pictured, left) as senior director of climate and catastrophe science to lead a new team focused on climate-driven weather events. Bennett brings over 30 years of experience in extreme weather and climate risk management.
The Los Angeles-based company has taken a contrarian approach to climate risks, writing policies in areas where competitors have withdrawn coverage. Mercury recently became the first major insurer to resume homeowners’ coverage in Paradise, California, following the town’s destruction in the 2018 Camp Fire.
“Mercury is constantly looking for ways to say ‘yes’ to consumers, and to do that we are taking a science-based approach to risk,” Bennett said.
Victor Joseph, president and chief operating officer, said the company evaluates geography, wind patterns, building methods, and policy concentration rather than ruling out entire zip codes.
The Hartford has appointed Thomas Bartlett (pictured, right) to its board of directors, effective July 1, 2025. Bartlett served as CEO and president of American Tower Corp., a global real estate investment trust, from 2020 through 2024.
He will serve on the finance, investment and risk management committee and audit committee. Bartlett previously held leadership roles during 25 years with Verizon Communications. “Tom brings the perspective of a former CEO who has overseen a multi-national company in a highly regulated industry,” said chairman and CEO Christopher Swift.
Vantage Group Holdings has appointed James Gunson as chief claims officer for its insurance operations. Gunson will report to Alex Blanco, CEO of insurance, and lead claims strategies focusing on innovation and efficiency.
The Bermuda-based company operates 10 specialty insurance businesses including casualty, construction, cyber, financial lines, and political risk across the US and Bermuda markets.
Hub International Limited has welcomed Sri Srinivasan to its board of directors, bringing the total to 11 members. Srinivasan, a leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation with Hellman & Friedman, has over 30 years of experience in engineering and software transformations.
“Sri’s impressive background and proven track record in delivering cutting-edge digital technology solutions will facilitate differentiation in our go-to-market solutions for clients,” said Marc Cohen, chairman and CEO.
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has added Noreen Calisto as senior vice president within EPIC Law Firm Group. Based in New York, Calisto brings decades of experience in professional liability insurance for mid-size and large law firms.
The appointment follows the January additions of Dan Knise and Eileen Garczynski to the group, which recently published its 15th annual Lawyers’ Professional Liability Claims Survey.
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