A string of senior appointments and leadership changes have been announced across insurers, brokers, and trade groups.
CRC Group, a leading wholesale specialty distributor, has announced three strategic additions to its CRC Specialty division.
Tom Cooney (pictured left) joins as broker in Philadelphia with a focus on healthcare liability and risk consulting. In Dallas, Ryan Renick (pictured center) takes on a broker role specializing in energy, environmental, construction, and manufacturing risks.
Meanwhile, Denver sees the arrival of Grant Burnside (pictured right) as underwriting team leader, bringing a decade of property and casualty placement experience. The hires reflect CRC’s strategy to build expertise in high-demand and specialized markets.
Highstreet Insurance Partners has named Kristen Stokes as its first chief broking officer.
Based in New York City, Stokes brings two decades of experience, including senior positions at Marsh McLennan where she ovesaw US middle-market placement strategy. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening carrier relationships and building a cohesive broking strategy to support the company's growing client base.
New York Life appointed Deepa Soni as executive vice president and chief information officer.
Soni, formerly CIO at The Hartford, has led major digital transformation initiatives and brings expertise in artificial intelligence and enterprise operations. She will oversee technology, data, AI, and venture capital activities at New York Life, underscoring the company’s focus on modernization and digital growth.
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has sworn in Mark Suhr of Nebraska as its new president. Suhr highlighted technology adoption as a central priority for independent agents, as AI and digital tools reshape client interactions.
PIA CEO Mike Skiados noted that agents continue to face challenges from rising premiums, tighter markets, and workforce shortages, making access to technology and resources essential for competitiveness.
Howden US has appointed Carol Murphy as head of US Casualty.
Murphy, regarded as one of the industry’s leading casualty experts, previously held leadership positions at Aon. She brings expertise in placement, strategy, and complex claims, and will work closely with Howden’s global specialty teams to expand casualty offerings for US clients.
