Everest forms global broker management team

Everest Group has unveiled a series of strategic appointments as part of the company’s “One Everest” strategy, focused on delivering optimal stakeholder value.

In a move to align with its global distribution partners, Everest established a global broker management team. Leading the unit is Anthony Izzo (pictured above), who was appointed chief global broking officer on top of his position as global facultative & distribution head for Everest Reinsurance.

The appointment comes as global insurance chair Mike Karmilowicz works on creating a global broker engagement framework.

Izzo’s new team consists of global broker account leads Rob Clark, Joe Stuhl, and Mark Shaw, and global broker performance manager Nicole Mazer. The team will focus on strengthening broker partnerships and optimizing customer relationship management initiatives.

Group chief operating officer Jim Williamson declared: “Strong, longstanding broker relationships are a hallmark of Everest’s business and central to our collective success. We are strengthening our commitment to the broker community with exceptional talent and service, who are highly attuned to the market’s needs and deeply invested in delivering a world-class experience.

“Tony and his senior team are well-respected partners to the industry, who epitomize Everest’s relationship culture. I look forward to working with Mike and each of them as we expand Everest’s global value proposition alongside the market’s evolving needs.”

Leadership changes in North America

In North America, Bill Hazelton was promoted to executive vice president of Everest Insurance and president of North America insurance after previously serving as head of US retail casualty and industry practices for the group’s insurance division. Hazelton will succeed Mike Mulray, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

Brian Zink, meanwhile, was named senior vice president and head of Everest Specialty Underwriters and US financial lines, reporting to Hazelton. Zink joins Everest from Zurich, where he led financial lines for US national accounts after holding various leadership roles at Beazley and The Hartford.

Additionally, Stephen Buonpane was tapped to lead the US wholesale and programs business at Everest Insurance. Reporting to Hazelton, Buonpane will focus on growing Everest’s wholesale portfolio, which has been established as a standalone division to provide wholesale brokers with exclusive access to customized offerings.

Under Buonpane’s leadership, Danielle Stewart will serve as chief operating officer. Stewart, who currently oversees national wholesale distribution for Everest Insurance, previously led strategic initiatives for Liberty Mutual’s primary casualty excess and surplus portfolio.

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