King Risk Partners, Patriot Growth Insurance Services, Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers, and CRC Group have announced a series of leadership appointments, including Arne Gabrielsen (pictured, left), Chris Hofmann (pictured, right), and Chi Vo, as well as Amber Anthony, Steve Bristow, Rachele Holden, Jay Yuskis, AJ Cruz, Alec Davidson, and Ryan Mallory.
King Risk Partners said it has appointed Gabrielsen as national sales leader and Hofmann as regional president for the Mid-Atlantic region, as the brokerage expands its footprint.
Gabrielsen brings nearly 20 years of industry experience, most recently serving as a zonal market relations leader at Gallagher Insurance, where he focused on carrier partnerships and market strategy. His earlier roles included agency president and sales leader in Pittsburgh, as well as broker positions that helped lay the foundation for client service and middle-market production.
Hofmann has been described as a 30-year industry veteran, most recently serving as executive vice president and regional sales leader at Gallagher Insurance, overseeing more than 125 producers. He specializes in building growth platforms and developing high-performing teams.
CEO Scott Popilek said the appointments support the firm’s expansion. “Both are powerhouse leaders with a relentless drive for excellence and a proven track record of fueling sales velocity. Their mastery of producer development and brokerage operations is exactly the high-octane energy we need as we continue to scale,” he said.
Patriot Growth Insurance Services has appointed Vo as senior vice president of operations, tasking her with leading the development of a unified operating platform across the firm.
Vo brings more than 30 years of experience spanning both brokerage and carrier operations. In her new role, she will oversee property and casualty and employee benefits agency operations, as well as shared services and implementation of the firm’s agency management system.
She most recently held a senior executive role at HUB International New England, where she led operations and shared services and played a role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) integration. Over the past five years, she has been involved in the full M&A lifecycle, from due diligence to post-close integration.
CEO John Galaviz said Vo’s operational and integration experience would support the firm’s next phase of growth. “Chi brings a unique combination of operational expertise, integration experience, and leadership that will be critical as we continue to grow,” he said.
Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers has appointed Anthony as president of US Assure, effective May 1, while she continues in her role as president and chief marketing officer, according to a company statement.
Anthony joined US Assure in 2013 and has led initiatives across marketing, sales, and distribution. Her work has included expanding the company’s brand presence, implementing data-driven tools, and supporting underwriting and operational priorities.
“US Assure joined Ryan Specialty through acquisition in August 2024. Since this time, we have been able to witness firsthand Amber’s leadership acumen and strategic prowess. This appointment represents the ongoing recognition and investment in talent across RSUM,” said Miles Wuller, chief executive officer of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers.
As part of the leadership transition, US Assure also named Bristow as chief operating officer, Holden as chief underwriting officer, and Yuskis as chief information officer.
CRC Group has announced the addition of Cruz, Davidson, and Mallory to its specialty division, strengthening capabilities in property, public sector, and underwriting operations.
Cruz joins as a broker and assistant vice president aligned with the firm’s Chicago office, focusing on public sector and education risks. Davidson has been appointed property broker based in Scottsdale, Arizona, bringing experience in business development and distribution strategy. Mallory joins as an underwriter near Richmond, Virginia, with a background in sales and market analysis.
The company said the hires support expansion in key markets and align specialized talent with targeted growth areas.
