4 People on the Move

The Hanover appoints a new executive vice president and general counsel, Sayata Labs adds two new hires in this edition of People on the Move. 
By: | April 3, 2020

Sayata Labs Adds Two New Hires

Valorie Owens, US business development manager, Sayata Labs

Ben Goldfien, insurance operations manager, Sayata labs

Sayata Labs, a cyber knowledge platform, announced two new hires. 

Valorie Owens will serve as U.S. business development manager and Ben Goldfien will serve as insurance operations manager.

Owens has thirty years of industry experience. She will be responsible for expanding Sayata’s footprint and engaging clients on a national scale.  She was most recently at Beazley as Head of Broker Relations in the South Central Region. and developed growth opportunities. 

Prior to Beazley, she held executive-level underwriting roles at several companies including Chubb and AIG.

Ben Goldfien joins Sayata as insurance operations manager.  In his new role Goldfien will apply his deep underwriting expertise to oversee all operations, ensuring an optimal experience for Sayata’s users.  

Most recently, Ben served as a senior underwriter at Starr Companies where he managed complex professional liability risk for the New England region. Before Starr, Ben held underwriting roles with ACE and CNA.

They will both report to another recent hire and former Beazley executive King Flynn, Head of Insurance. 

“These are critical additions for Sayata going forward, allowing Sayata to better meet market needs and grow effectively,” said Asaf Lifshitz, chief executive officer of Sayata.

The Hanover Hires New EVP and General Counsel

 The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. announced Dennis F. Kerrigan as executive vice president and general counsel, effective immediately, following the retirement of longtime general counsel, J. Kendall Huber. 

Dennis Kerrigan, executive vice president and general counsel, The Hanover

Kerrigan is responsible for The Hanover’s legal, regulatory and government affairs, as well as compliance, state filings, securities, and corporate governance matters.

 Kerrigan joins The Hanover after more than 10 years as general counsel for Zurich North America.

 “Dennis is an experienced leader with an extensive background in both legal affairs and the property and casualty insurance business,” said John C. Roche, president and chief executive officer at The Hanover. “His deep knowledge of our industry and proven leadership abilities make him an excellent addition to our company. We are excited to welcome Dennis to our team.”

 Kerrigan previously served as a partner in the global litigation department of an international law firm, representing Fortune 500 companies in a variety of matters, including trials, arbitrations, governmental investigations, regulatory proceedings and internal investigations.

 He has also served as editor in chief of the Tort & Insurance Law Journal, published by the American Bar Association. 

Starr Insurance Companies Appoints a Senior Investment Officer

Starr Insurance Companies announced the appointment of insurance investment veteran John Patin as senior investment officer. 

Patin has nearly 20 years of experience managing investments for insurance enterprises, including most recently Allied World Assurance. He previously was a principal at a hedge fund of funds spun off from Moore Capital Management, serving there since 2001. 

“John brings key skills in the important category of alternative investments as well as in traditional insurance asset allocation,” said Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer, Starr Insurance Companies. 

“Having someone of his caliber will help keep Starr moving forward on the investment side of the business in parallel with the underwriting side.” 

Patin will be based out of the company’s New York headquarters. &

Emily Spennato is a former staff writer with Risk & Insurance.

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