Avoca Spawns Specialty Coverage, Thompson Leads

Underwriting programs provider Avoca Insurance Holdings announced creation of Manchester Specialty Programs Inc. (MSP), which is designed to offer coverage to specialty industry sectors. Based in Manchester, N.H., Avoca says the subsidiary will provide “specialty commercial property and casualty coverage on an open brokerage basis.”

William Thompson, a former principal of Vermont-based specialty underwriting provider Smith Bell & Thompson Inc., will lead MSP as its president and CEO.

“We are thrilled to have attracted Bill to lead Manchester Specialty Programs,” said Andrew Carvill, CEO of Avoca Insurance Holdings. “At Avoca, we are focused on developing products backed by best-in-class security, great service and highly qualified personnel. Bill has dedicated his career to designing and marketing industry-focused and association programs. We are very excited about the launch of MSP, and look forward to the rollout of our first major program in the coming weeks.”