14 People on the Move

The latest hiring announcements, appointments and promotions in the commercial insurance industry today.
By: | February 24, 2024

Andrea Haan in as New Chief Human Resources Officer at World Insurance Associates

Andrea Haan, chief human resources officer, World Insurance Associates

Andrea Haan joined World Insurance Associates this month as chief human resources officer. As a member of the executive team, she will lead up HR operations, human capital strategies development and the evolution of the merger and acquisition integration process.

Haan will bring more than more than 25 years of human resources leadership expertise across a variety of industries to the position. She has worked in the insurance, financial services and data and analytics fields. She served as senior vice president of global talent for the global research and market firm Circana before joining World. Prior to that stint, she served in various roles at Allstate Corporation for more than 20 years.

“As we further solidify World as a destination of choice for the industry’s best talent, having a leader like Andrea focused on our overall HR operations will be instrumental as we continue to execute our organic and acquisition growth strategies,” Rich Eknoian, World’s CEO, said in a press release.

“Her expertise in developing and executing strategic innovation and automation will significantly improve our HR and post-merger processes, leading to an improved experience for our new and existing employees.”

James Thanasules Steps into the Role of President at AmTrust Title

James Thanasules, president, AmTrust Title

AmTrust announced that James Thanasules has been promoted to president of its title division. He will manage the company’s title insurance programs for commercial and residential real estate. He has been with the company since 2016.

With more than 25 years of experience in the title servicing space, Thanasules has expertise in both direct and agency title operations. Prior to assuming this role, he served as vice president and senior underwriting counsel for First American Title Insurance Company’s New York agency division and as president of the New York State Land Title Association. He has conducted training seminars on a plethora of legal topics, including claims, blockchain and cybersecurity, showcasing his industry expertise.

Before working in title insurance, he worked as an attorney, earning his law degree from St. John’s University, and as a financial analyst.

“I’m excited to continue working with James and seeing him shape the future of AmTrust Title,” Jeffrey Fenster, executive vice president, head of North American specialty risk at AmTrust, said in a press release.

“His many years of underwriting experience, strong agent relationships and legal expertise give him a unique set of skills and perspective that will ensure the continued growth and success of our business.”

Seven Strategic Hires and Promotions at PCF Insurance Services

PCF Insurance Services announced a number of hirings and promotions this month as part of its broader growth strategy. The appointments are: Brooke DeWyze as chief development officer, Jeff Hutchins as chief people officer, Adam Reed as general counsel, Leslie Greve as vice president of marketing, Rocky Steele as senior vice president of operations, Ryan Stradling as senior vice president of finance and chief of staff, and Brandon Gray as senior vice president and treasurer.

These hirings and promotions are intended to improve company operations and to advance the company’s mergers and acquisitions plans. Appointees will have various responsibilities. DeWyze and Reed will be involved in the company’s M&A strategy and compliance, while Hutchins will manage talent acquisition and development and Greve will help drive growth and revenue.

This announcement comes after Felix Morgan was named the new CEO of PCF Insurance last December.

“We’re at an exciting moment in time in our company’s growth,” Morgan said in a press release. “To set the stage for continued expansion, we’re accelerating our M&A strategy, building out operational systems, optimizing back-office functions and expanding our senior leadership team.”

Uwe Schoberth Joins Canopius Group as Head of Distribution

Global specialty reinsurer Canopius Group announced that Uwe Schoberth will step into the newly created role of head of distribution for the U.S. and Bermuda.

He will be in charge of fostering communication between insureds and underwriters and maximizing business opportunities. In this role, he’ll collaborate closely with Matthew Crane, head of U.K. distribution for Canopius Group, another recent hire.

Prior to joining Canopius, he was the chief distribution officer at Joyn Insurance and he has previously worked in leadership positions at Lloyds and U.S.-based insurance companies.

“Uwe Schoberth’s appointment underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in the U.S. markets,” Lisa Davis, CEO, U.S., and Bermuda for Canopius Group, said in a press release.  “We will leverage his extensive experience to achieve our ambitious goals, deepen relationships with brokers and distribution partners, and solidify our standing as a key player in the industry.”

Lana Jankovic Promoted to Chief Audit and Sarbanes-Oxley Officer at Ryan Specialty

Lana Jankovic has been promoted from vice president of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance to chief audit and SOX officer at Ryan Specialty.

Sarbanes-Oxley compliance officers oversee financial record keeping and reporting in-line with the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002. Prior to her promotion, Jankovic oversaw the implementation of the firm’s financial controls compliance program during its transition to a public company in 2021.

“Lana has proven herself as an expert and leader in the field of internal audit and SOX compliance and is the right person to fill this very important role,” Patrick G. Ryan, founder, chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty, said in a press release.

“Lana has been critical for us as we transformed from a private company to being publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. With her knowledge and leadership skills, Lana will continue to guide us in these critical areas.”

Trawick International Promotes a COO and a Senior Vice President

Laurie Roberts, chief operating officer, Trawick International

Bailey Foster, senior vice president of travel insurance, Trawick International

Trawick International has promoted Laurie Roberts to chief operating officer and Bailey Foster to senior vice president of travel insurance.

Roberts will oversee the company’s global business operations. She most recently served as the company’s chief of staff, where she managed the transition of GBG Insurance Limited’s international health, life, and disability books of business to Trawick International and MGEN.

“I am honored to accept the promotion to Chief Operating Officer for Trawick International,” Roberts said in a press release. “The company has grown and changed vastly since I began my career here in 2021, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Daryl in leading the company through its next chapter.”

Foster will lead a team of sales executives and account managers in the company’s trip cancellation insurance portfolio. Prior to her promotion, she served as vice president of trip cancellation. She developed and launched the business’s COVID-19 travel insurance offering, with the help of the trip cancellation team.

“I am thrilled to accept the promotion to senior vice president, travel insurance,” Foster said in a press release. “Trawick International is a unique and exciting company to work for, and I am grateful to work somewhere that encourages innovative thinking and career growth.”

Daryl Trawick, president and CEO, Trawick International, expressed optimism about both appointments in a press release.

Of Roberts’ promotion he said: “Laurie has vast experience in international business and insurance operations. She understands our external customers and clients and builds inclusive environments that allow our employees and partnerships to grow and thrive. She knows our business and culture well and is dedicated to the company’s business, customers, and employees. There is no question she is the right person to help lead the company through its growth and evolution to further success.”

Of Fosters’: “I am delighted to extend this promotion to Foster. In her five years at Trawick International, she has exhibited the passion and expertise needed to propel the business forward. Adding travel medical to her purview of responsibility is a challenging but natural next step for her and the company. I know she will continue to lead the travel insurance business to even greater success.”

Jean-Noël Gallardo In as Global Chief Financial Officer at Roadzen

Last month, AI-driven insurance and mobility solutions firm Roadzen named Jean-Noël Gallardo global chief financial officer. He will direct investor and analyst engagement and lead strategic financial initiatives.

Before joining, Gallardo worked as vice president of finance at Aclaimant, an Insurtech safety and risk management platform. He has over two decades of experience in the industry.

“As we continue to strengthen our leadership at Roadzen, I am delighted to welcome Jean-Noël Gallardo to the team. His knowledge, experience, and exceptional track record in the insurance industry make him the perfect choice to guide Roadzen’s global financial strategy,” Rohan Malhotra, co-founder and CEO of Roadzen, said in a press release.

“I would also like to thank our outgoing CFO, Mohit Pasricha, who played a pivotal role in Roadzen’s journey to our public listing and continues to be a vital member of our leadership team.” &

The R&I Editorial Team can be reached at [email protected].

More from Risk & Insurance