Everest Group Ltd. has awarded the first recipient of the Joseph V. Taranto Scholarship, a new annual renewable award created to support college-bound students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and leadership potential.
Everest and its board of directors established the scholarship in honor of former chairman Joseph V. Taranto. The award recognizes qualities the company said reflect both its values and Taranto’s leadership style, including integrity, discipline, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to service.
According to a company statement, the recipient – unnamed by the company externally - was selected through a competitive review process that evaluated academic performance, character, ambition, and alignment with the company’s values.
The scholarship comes about a year after Taranto stepped down from Everest’s board. Taranto, who served as board chairman from 1994 until the end of his term in May 2025 and as chief executive officer from 1994 to 2013, retired from the role when his term concluded. Under his leadership, the Bermuda-based insurer evolved into a prominent player in the global property and casualty market.
“Developing people and creating opportunity are fundamental to how we operate at Everest,” said Jim Williamson, president and chief executive officer of Everest, in a statement. “This scholarship reflects our long-term commitment to investing in talent, both within our organization and in the communities we serve. It is one of many ways we’re helping build the next generation of leaders.”
“I am deeply honored to have this scholarship carry my name,” Taranto said. “Throughout my career, I’ve believed that creating opportunities for others is the most meaningful legacy any leader can leave. Supporting young people with drive and ability is an investment that pays dividends in a broad and far-reaching way.”
The scholarship is part of Everest’s broader approach to what the company describes as “underwriting opportunity” through educational initiatives, community partnerships, and talent development programs. It complements the company’s wider philanthropic and workforce-development efforts, including global giving programs, employee volunteer initiatives, and internal learning and career-development programs.
