Burns & Wilcox, a provider of wholesale insurance, underwriting and distribution services, has appointed new leaders for its New York and Chicago offices as part of its broader efforts to strengthen its U.S. operations.
Alex Gargano has been named managing director, responsible for overseeing operations in New York and the Tri-State area. Based in the company’s Manhattan office, he will report to Doug Legters, regional vice president for the Northeast.
Gargano brings over 30 years of experience to the role. Prior to joining Burns & Wilcox, he was senior vice president of Underwriting E&S at Vault, a position he held since 2020. He previously spent nearly two decades in various leadership roles at AIG.
In Chicago, Burns & Wilcox has promoted Erica Rangel to associate managing director.
Rangel has nearly 20 years of experience and is recognized as a top Professional Liability broker at the company. She has played a significant role in expanding the company’s Professional Liability Practice in the Midwest. Rangel joined Burns & Wilcox over seven years ago after positions at RT Specialty and CRC.
“Alex and Erica are both experienced professionals known for their ability to build strong teams,” said Danny Kaufman, president of the company. “Under Erica, we expect Chicago to continue its growth as one of our largest offices. We also see an opportunity to leverage Alex’s relationships and experience to further expand Burns & Wilcox in New York and the surrounding region.”
Last April, Burns & Wilcox also announced several other leadership promotions as part of its strategy to expand and strengthen its operations across the U.S.
Bonnie Steen, who will mark 18 years with the company this year, has been promoted to regional vice president. Steen previously served as vice president and managing director for the company’s offices in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Ruston, Louisiana.
William Briscoe has also been promoted to vice president. He has been with the company for nearly 13 years and retained his role as managing director for the Oxford, Mississippi, and Birmingham, Alabama, offices.
Chris Siegel, who joined the company 10 years ago, has been promoted to vice president and will oversee all company offices in Florida. He was previously associate vice president and managing director for the Orlando and South Florida offices.
Berri Willis, who has more than 17 years of experience at the company, has been named vice president. And finally, Justin Dorman was promoted to associate managing director in Charleston, South Carolina. Dorman has been with the company for more than 10 years.
