The insurance industry continues to see an active reshaping of leadership structures, with several firms announcing key executive appointments and promotions aimed at strengthening distribution, underwriting, and client management capabilities.
Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has appointed two senior executives to lead its expanded sales and client management teams. Rick Johnstone (pictured, left) has been named senior vice president of national accounts sales and client management, while Paul Gardner (pictured, center) takes on the same role for regional accounts.
The appointments follow The Standard’s integration of voluntary products from the American Heritage Employer Voluntary Benefits business (formerly Allstate Benefits), part of its broader push to unify its group benefits and voluntary offerings. The move, effective January 1, 2026, will create one of the most comprehensive benefits suites in the US market.
Johnstone, a veteran of The Standard since 1998, will oversee the company’s new national accounts practice. Gardner, who joined in 2025 from Allstate Benefits, will lead regional accounts sales and client management. The changes underscore The Standard’s strategy to grow its footprint across employer segments and reinforce its position in the evolving employee benefits market.
Ryan Specialty’s Trident Marine Managers has entered into an expanded underwriting agreement with Aspen Insurance Company, under which Trident will serve as the exclusive underwriter for Aspen’s Marine Hull and Liability business.
Effective November 3, 2025, Matthew Taucher, previously at Aspen, will lead the new underwriting unit at Trident. The partnership reflects a growing trend of carriers and MGAs aligning to enhance efficiency and specialization in marine insurance.
Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage has appointed Dennis Leamy as commercial risk advisor. Bringing nearly two decades of experience in property, casualty, and life insurance, Leamy will focus on developing tailored risk management strategies.
His addition supports the firm’s ongoing efforts to expand advisory capacity amid rising demand for comprehensive commercial insurance solutions.
Alliant Insurance Services has added Kristina Hitchens (pictured, right) as first vice president within its Employee Benefits Group.
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Hitchens brings expertise in benefits strategy, marketing, and client development, strengthening Alliant’s regional and national presence in employee benefits.
H.W. Kaufman Group has announced 16 senior promotions across its network, including Burns & Wilcox, Atain, and RB Jones.
Christine Tricoli was promoted to group chief HR officer and executive vice president; David Janis was promoted to group general counsel and senior vice president; Kate Wright was promoted to Burns & Wilcox vice president and senior regional practice group leader, and Tom Carvalho was promoted to Burns & Wilcox vice president and managing director, among others.
The firm has promoted more than 100 associates and added over 350 hires this year as part of its global growth plans.
