5 People on the Move

Supercede names a new digital ecosystem chief, Beazley hires a new U.S. head of cyber and Capitol Special Risks appoints a new president in this edition of People on the Move.
By: | August 25, 2021

Supercede Names New Global Digital Ecosystem Chief

Aydin Betez, chief product officer, Supercede

Supercede announced the appointment of Aydin Betez, formerly chief technology officer of Willis Re, to lead the development of its cloud-based digital ecosystem for the global reinsurance market as chief product officer.

According to a press release, “Aydin pioneered the new digital ecosystem for Willis Re’s employees and clients and worked closely with the firm’s partners across the reinsurance market to co-develop platform strategies and initiatives.”

Betez brings two decades of experience in a range of senior technology and transformation roles across the financial services sector, including digital executive advisor at Capco, and an award-winning leadership role at TD Bank.

“As a highly respected figure in the global reinsurance sector, Aydin’s appointment represents a momentous milestone in Supercede’s rapid growth and success,” said Jerad Leigh, co-founder and CEO of Supercede.

“He brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and a unique understanding of developing global reinsurance broker systems, including how these interact with cedents’ and reinsurers’ technologies.”

Ryan Specialty Group Hires New Chief Operating and Technology Officer

Ryan Specialty Group has hired Kirk Behrens to advance the development of its wholesale benefits brokerage and general underwriting specialty alongside John Zern, head of Ryan Specialty’s benefits offering.

Kirk Behrens, chief operating and technology officer, Ryan Specialty Group

An insurance veteran, Behrens brings over 25 years of “extensive operations and technology experience within insurance brokerage” according to a press release announcing the hiring.

Prior to joining Ryan Specialty, Behrens held senior leadership at Aon, including chief information officer for Aon plc., as well as chief operating officer of Global Health Solutions.

Founder, chairman and CEO, Patrick G. Ryan commented, “Ryan Specialty Benefits is a new vertical for us and is very important strategically. With John Zern at the head of our benefits offering, we are able to attract the outstanding talent of insurance veteran Kirk Behrens. Kirk, working alongside John Zern, provides our clients with a wide and diverse path of experience in the insurance industry.”

Zern remarked, “Kirk brings a unique mix of strategy, commercial, operations and technology expertise and experience as well as a proven track record that will be instrumental in building Ryan Specialty Benefits.”

Beazley Announces New Head of U.S. Cyber & Tech

Patricia Kocsondy, head of US Cyber & Tech, Beazley

Beazley has appointed Patricia Kocsondy to join their New York team as head of U.S. cyber & tech.

Kocsondy will be responsible for Beazley’s middle market and large risk cyber & tech underwriting in the U.S.

A highly experienced cyber underwriter and manager, Kocsondy recently served as senior vice president, errors & omissions (E&O) and cyber underwriting, for Chubb Limited’s North American Financial Lines.

“Patricia’s experience and expertise brings new insight to our team in the U.S. as we work with our brokers and clients to help strengthen their cyber defenses and mitigate risk,” said Beazley’s head of global cyber and teach, Paul Bantick.

“With Patricia’s leadership in the U.S., we look forward to continuing to strengthen our experienced cyber & tech practice as we evolve and enhance our 360° cyber protection and risk mitigation services for our clients.”

Capitol Special Risks Names Amanda Sedliak as President

Capitol Special Risks (CSRisks), a division of Specialty Program Group, LLC, has appointed Amanda Sedliak as president of the specialty lines insurance brokerage firm, succeeding Dorothea Westin.

Sedliak joined CSRisks in 1998 as an account manager. Prior to accepting her new role, she was senior vice president to the director of brokerage.

Amanda Sedliak, president, Capitol Special Risks

“This past year has been fraught with challenges and changes, one of the most important lessons from these changes is that prior business models are no longer relevant,” said Westin.

“Adaptation and innovation are what will bring a company into the future. So, as our company innovates and adapts, we entrust our leadership to Amanda.”

Chris Treanor, president & CEO of Specialty Program Group, CSRisks’ parent company, describes Sedliak as a “talented broker and leader,” expressing confidence that, “she will take the business to the next level and continue the track record of success created by Dorothea and Lynn Levinson.”

RT Specialty Promotes Stacy Burrows Senior Account Manager

RT Specialty has named Stacy Burrows as senior account manager within its Environmental and Construction Professional (ECP) Practice.

A former senior business analyst and supervisor in claims information services for NJ Manufacturers Insurance Group, Burrows joined the RT ECP team in 2012.

Stacy Burrows, senior account manager, RT Environmental and Construction Professional

Burrows has “assisted the new business and account management activities of senior management,” while also supporting the RT ECP team’s administrative and operational functions, according to a press release.

“Stacy has been the lifeline between the office and our remote employees throughout the entire pandemic,” said Jefferey S. Lejfer, president, RT Specialty’s Hamilton, N.J. office.

“In addition to coordinating with our IT, claims and accounting departments, she has always stepped forward to fill whatever role is needed at the time – a total team player that has added value to every level of our organization.” &

Raquel Moreno is a staff writer with Risk & Insurance. She can be reached at [email protected].