Illinois News

Insurance Agent, Researcher Charged in Illinois Murder-for-Hire Scheme

A suburban Chicago insurance agent and a former university research technologist are charged in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme aimed at killing a federal prosecutor and drug enforcement agent, officials said. Jack Mann, 41, of Naperville, who billed himself “the always …

Fiesta Auto Insurance to Expand Franchise Model

Huntington Beach, Calif.-based Fiesta Auto Insurance is combining its two business models — insurance and tax preparation — under one roof, quadrupling its presence to more than 80 locations during the past 10 months. Fiesta, an insurance and tax preparation …

Liberty Mutual Expands Insurance Offerings for Wisconsin Schools

Liberty Mutual Group is expanding its program offerings for Wisconsin schools available through its partnership with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Insurance Plan. Effective immediately, the WASB Insurance Plan will offer insurance coverage through Pewaukee-based Indiana Insurance, a …

West Virginia Workers Compensation Insurer BrickStreet Approved in Illinois

West Virginia-based BrickStreet Mutual Insurance said it has been approved to begin writing workers’ compensation insurance in Illinois. The move continues an expansion drive for the company, which was approved to write workers’ compensation coverage in Kentucky last year. BrickStreet …

Grinnell Mutual Names Crawford President and CEO

Steve Crawford has been named president and chief executive officer at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company located in Grinnell, Iowa. For the past two years, Crawford has served as the company’s chief operating officer. During Crawford’s 34-year career at Grinnell Mutual …

Grange Insurance Names James President, CEO

Grange Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, named Robert V. James, 55, as president and CEO effective Jan. 18. Retiring president and CEO Phil Urban will serve in an advisory capacity until Feb. 26 to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. …

People

Global insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh appointed Philip Gawthorpe as Multinational Client Service Practice leader for the Midwest Zone. Gawthorpe, who has more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, will be based in Marsh’s Chicago office and report …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Stop All ID Fraud Market Detail: USX/S offers agents access to real ID theft protection …

Chinese Drywall Lawsuit Filed in Louisiana but Most Claims Are in Florida

On Jan. 6, the WCI Chinese Drywall Trust, an entity formed in bankruptcy proceedings of residential homebuilder WCI Communities Inc., announced it had filed suit against 14 insurance companies seeking indemnification for losses arising from claims related to allegedly defective …

Johnson Joins WRM America as Midwest Regional Marketing Officer

WRM America, a New York-based specialty insurance and alternative risk management company, reports that Jeffrey S. Johnson has joined WRM America Indemnity Company (WRMAI) as regional marketing officer for the Midwest region. Johnson will be responsible for the planning and …