Spain News

Zurich Makes Two Executive Appointments

Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) has appointed Alan Fairhead (50, British citizen), currently chief underwriting officer for Global Corporate, to the position of chief underwriting officer for Europe General Insurance, effective Sept. 1, 2009. He will also retain his role …

Language Leads Enterprising Agent Into Successful Niche

At first glance, Kathryn Soderberg seems an unlikely expert on marketing insurance to Hispanic customers, but the tall, fair-skinned Caucasian is a frequent radio talk show guest and leading Hispanic market-training sessions for large insurance companies. Soderberg, president of Soderberg …

Love of Language Leads Enterprising Agent Into Successful Niche Market

At first glance, Kathryn Soderberg would seem an unlikely candidate for an insurance agent whose expertise in marketing to Hispanic customers lands her gigs on radio talk shows and leading Hispanic market training sessions for large insurance companies. Soderberg, president …

HRH Acquisition Helps Boost Willis’ Revenues by 19% in Q2

Willis Group Holdings Limited (NYSE: WSH) reported the company’s total second quarter revenues were up by 19 percent, an increase due primarily to the HRH acquisition. Total reported revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 were $784 million compared …

Love of Language Leads Enterprising Agent into Successful Niche Market

At first glance, Kathryn Soderberg would seem an unlikely candidate for an insurance agent whose expertise in marketing to Hispanic customers lands her gigs on radio talk shows and leading Hispanic market training sessions for large insurance companies. Soderberg, president …

Ratings: Ocaso, HSB Engineering, Accident & General, Consumer Services, Royal Bank of Canada

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating of “aa-” of Spain’s Ocaso, S.A. Seguros y Reaseguros, both with stable outlooks. “The ratings reflect the company’s superior risk-based capitalization, excellent operating …

The Globalized Broker Network

Assurex Global Struck Gold with Partners Around the World Assurex Global Year Founded: 1954 Locations: 500 offices on six continents Employees: 20,000 Annual Premium Volume: $28 billion Annual Revenue: $3.4 billion Assurex Global wasn’t fully “global” until the late 1990s, …

Den Dekker Elected FERMA President

Peter den Dekker, corporate insurance risk manager at Dutch multi-national Stork, has been elected President of the Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA). He takes over from Marie-Gemma Dequae, whose mandate came to an end after four years, following …

Ratings: 1st Choice Auto, Commerce, Dorinco, Battle Creek, Met Life Auto & Home, Toyota

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘B++’ (Good) and upgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “bbb+” from “bbb” of 1st Choice Auto Insurance Company, Inc., and has revised its outlook on the ratings to …

Ratings Roundup: Elwood, CIBC Re, Mapfre Praico, RenRe

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the financial strength rating of “B++’ (Good) and issuer credit rating of “bbb” of Bermuda-based Elwood Insurance Limited. Best said: “Elwood’s ratings recognize its excellent capitalization level, …