This week’s moves include a senior growth hire at a specialist wholesaler, internal promotions across finance, administration and claims at a specialty carrier, and a financial institutions hire at a regional broker.
XS Brokers, a national wholesale brokerage based in Quincy, Massachusetts, has appointed John Head (pictured, left) as managing partner, growth and strategy. He will lead the firm’s national growth strategy, including recruiting production talent, building relationships with retail agencies and expanding its office network in key markets.
Head has more than 30 years of industry experience, including more than 17 years in E&S. He was most recently president of national brokerage at RPS, where he led a national wholesale operation.
His focus will be on vertical product specialization: recruiting and developing brokers and underwriters with deep expertise in specific lines and industry classes, so that retail agents receive specialist-level service.
“He knows how to find and develop great talent, and he understands that lasting growth comes from deeper partnerships with the retail agents we serve,” said Eric Wirkus, chief executive of XS Brokers.
The firm has also added Bryan Sanders (pictured, right) as an independent strategic adviser to its board. Sanders retired from Markel in 2025 after serving as president and then chairman of Markel Specialty. He will advise on long-range growth strategy, talent development, incentive programs and market expansion.
The wholesale market is consolidating around large platforms, and mid-sized specialists are competing hard for producers who know specific industries and lines. Retail agents can expect XS Brokers to add specialists by line and to approach them with a sharper offering by industry segment. Producers at rival wholesalers may also hear from the firm.
RLI has promoted four leaders from within, effective immediately.
Ross Edwards has been promoted to vice president, claim counsel, with executive responsibility for overseeing the company’s claim-related litigation. He joined RLI in 2017 as a claim manager and was most recently assistant vice president, claim counsel. He has 18 years of experience in law and insurance claims.
Kathleen Taylor becomes vice president, controller and treasurer, overseeing financial, reinsurance and tax accounting and treasury. Katie Kappes becomes chief administrative officer, responsible for human resources, branch operations, facilities and the corporate secretary function. Amy Braet becomes vice president, human resources.
President and CEO Craig Kliethermes said the four brought deep expertise and a strong understanding of RLI’s business and culture.
Edwards’s promotion is the most relevant for brokers. Oversight of claim litigation shapes how a specialty carrier defends and resolves complex claims, and an internal appointment points to continuity in RLI’s approach.
Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage has hired Mike Bradica as a business development risk adviser in its financial institutions practice group. He will work with banks, credit unions, investment firms and other financial organizations on their risk management needs, and help expand the East Providence-based broker’s presence in financial services.
Jessica Thayer, senior vice president and financial institutions practice leader, said Bradica’s experience and focus on relationships would be valuable additions to the team.
Community banks and credit unions face growing exposure to cyber, D&O and regulatory risks. More broker investment in specialist teams in this sector points to continued competition for these accounts across New England.
