Ex-CNA Hardy Executive Brosnan Named CEO of W. R. Berkley Syndicate Management

W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the appointment of David Brosnan as chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Syndicate Management Ltd., the Lloyd’s managing agent for W. R. Berkley Syndicate 1967.

He succeeds Alastair Blades, who will continue in his role as chief underwriting officer. The appointment is subject to required regulatory approvals, including Lloyd’s.

Brosnan has 35 years of insurance industry experience. He most recently served as chief executive officer of the international division of CNA Hardy in London (from February 2014 to September 2020). He first joined CNA in May 2013 as senior vice president of International. Previous to CNA, he was with ACE Canada, most notably serving as president and CEO of ACE INA and ACE INA Life Insurance Cos. Prior to that, he served as president of ACE Casualty Risk and held various underwriting positions, including European Zone underwriting officer with Chubb in London.

Brosnan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Blades, who has nearly 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, joined Berkley in 2009 to lead the underwriting strategy for the newly formed W. R Berkley Syndicate 1967. He successfully led the team at W / R / B Underwriting through the transition from a London market insurer with a Lloyd’s presence to a Lloyd’s-centric business that was well positioned for Brexit.

In announcing the appointment, W. Robert Berkley Jr., president and chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to Berkley with his demonstrated leadership, superb market reputation and extensive management experience. Alastair has provided pivotal leadership in developing our integrated Lloyd’s platform. The decoupling of the chief executive officer and chief underwriting officer roles provides each of David and Alastair the opportunity for even greater focus that will enable the W / R / B Underwriting team to maximize its capabilities and expansion opportunities in this improving market.”

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corp. is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property/casualty insurance business: insurance and reinsurance & monoline excess.

Source: W. R. Berkley Corp.