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IICF announces CEO departure and strategic review for replacement
After serving 21 years as Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), Bill Ross has announced he is leaving the organization. During his tenure, the organization awarded more than $53 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and U.K. The organization recently established a division in Canada.
Wendy Houser, Chair of the IICF Board of Governors and President, US Wholesale and Specialty at Markel, will lead foundation operations while continuing her role at Markel. An executive search committee will be formed to create a profile for the organization's next CEO, while also engaging an executive search firm to identify appropriate internal and external candidates.
Simply Business launches AI advisor
Simply Business launches AI advisor for small business owners. The technology is built on a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model.
Cowbell announces mid-market and claims leadership
Cowbell announced Jessica Klipphahn as head of North America mid-market and Stephanie Hewerdine as director of claims.
Klipphahn, who was most recently North America middle market cyber leader at WTW, will spearhead the expansion of the mid-market.
Stephanie Hewerdine, who most recently was claims counsel at Coalition, will support U.S. claims in her new role.
ACORD Solutions Group appoints Dave Matcham Global Ambassador for digital data exchange
ACORD Solutions Group has appointed Dave Matcham as its Global Ambassador for digital markets. In this consulting role, he will be responsible for promoting the benefits of standardized data exchange and facilitating connectivity across key global insurance hubs. Previously, he was the CEO of the International Underwriting Association (IUA) and has been a long-time advocate of standards-based digitalization throughout the insurance industry.
"Dave Matcham is an enormously well-respected leader, whose contributions to the industry as head of the IUA are recognised worldwide," said Chris Newman, CEO of ACORD Solutions Group in a press statement. "We welcome the opportunity to partner with Dave in spreading awareness of the critical role that digital data exchange will play in our industry's future, as well as the groundbreaking digital capabilities that ACORD Solutions Group have already put in place for clients in markets around the world."
Driver Technologies launches telematics quote generator
Driver Technologies has launched Driver Insurance, an embedded insurance service that uses telematics to generate auto insurance quotes.
"The launch of Driver Insurance is the ultimate fusion of connected car technology and embedded finance. By leveraging the precision of our Driver Score and Android Automotive integration, we move beyond traditional demographics to offer truly personalized, risk-accurate insurance," said Rashid Galadanci, CEO and co-founder of Driver Technologies, in a press release. "Our approach not only provides drivers with instant access to the best discounted UBI rates from our network but fundamentally lowers the cost and friction of customer acquisition across the industry."
The service allows drivers to choose what elements of their driving information they want to share with insurers or other services.
NFP promotes Keefe to lead Northeast broking
NFP, a P&C broker and benefits consultant unit of Aon, has promoted Andrew Keefe to senior vice president and Northeast broking leader, based in Albany, N.Y.
Keefe joined NFP in 2021 and most recently was P&C broking team leader at the company. His previous experience includes roles at Travelers and Liberty Mutual.
"Andrew brings strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep market insight that will be instrumental in driving growth and elevating our P&C business across the region," said Lauren Kim, regional managing director, P&C, in NFP's Northeast region, in a press release "His leadership will strengthen carrier relationships, broking excellence, and foster a culture of innovation that empowers clients and positions the organization for long-term success."
Connecticut regulator names Davé for life insurance role
The Connecticut Insurance Department, the state's insurance regulator, has promoted Tricia Davé to assistant deputy commissioner and division director for life and health.
Davé most recently was insurance actuary supervisor at the department, where she has held various leadership roles and responsibilities since 2014. Previously, Davé was an actuary in the department. She also has 25 years experience in the insurance industry, including life and health product line roles at Travelers Insurance.
Clyde & Co. insurance practice hires Ohren and Ebner
The insurance practice of global law firm Clyde & Co. has hired two new partners who were previously with Baker McKenzie.
Ronald Ohren has more than 35 years experience including specialization in insurance disputes. He was chair of the insurance practice in the North America Litigation and Government Enforcement Group at Baker McKenzie.
Jon Ebner specialized in trials and arbitration work for German-speaking clients at Baker McKenzie. He represents U.S. and international companies in commercial disputes and advises multinational companies on commercial insurance issues.
"These hires reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening our insurance capabilities in the US. Ronald and Jon bring a wealth of global legal experience and a proven record of success that will directly benefit our clients," said Eileen King Bower, partner and chair of Clyde & Co's North America board, in a press release.
Ohren and Ebner are based in Chicago.
