United Risk Global and Applied Underwriters have announced significant leadership changes and staff additions as the managing general agent continues its rapid international growth since its founding.
Richard Christofer (pictured, left) has been promoted to president and chief commercial officer, assuming responsibility for recruiting new underwriting programs and overseeing existing operations from the company’s Rockefeller Center headquarters in New York. Christofer, who previously held positions at AIG, Guy Carpenter, and Gen Re, has been with United Risk since its launch.
“Rick has been with United Risk since its launch and has been instrumental in building the company’s impressive roster of underwriting programs, attracting the top talent required to execute successfully,” said Jamie Sahara, president of Applied Underwriters, United Risk’s operational affiliate.
The company also promoted Hayden Smith (pictured, right) to regional CEO, where he will oversee European Union, United Kingdom, and British Commonwealth business while managing expansion into emerging markets. Smith, based in United Risk’s London office, joined the company as managing partner in January 2023. His background includes professional sports careers with UK’s Saracens rugby team and the NFL’s New York Jets before transitioning to insurance through roles at JLT Re, StarStone, and Enstar.
United Risk has hired 29 new professionals across its underwriting and claims operations. Notable additions include Vincent Regina and Lauren Markowski as vice presidents and co-leaders of cyber coverage at Applied Financial Lines, and Ken Hashberger as vice president of film and television at Applied Entertainment & Sports.
A news release highlighted that the appointments reflect United Risk’s position among the top five MGA groups worldwide, operating 37 underwriting programs from more than 50 offices globally. The company’s European operations center on its Applied Financial Lines division, based in Cologne and Paris under president Jeroen Claesen.
“This is a great time to be in the MGA business,” Christofer said. “Our concept has been growth through bolt-ons and recruitment of the very best talent. When we bring on a new operation, we’re already looking at proven underwriting and claims results.”
United Risk’s expansion is supported by strategic partner American Atlantic Assurance Company, created by North American Casualty Co. and operational since Jan. 1 with authority to write property and casualty policies throughout the EU.
The company’s specialty lines include crisis management, excess casualty, logistics and transport, credit and political risks, and entertainment and sports coverage across its international markets.
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