Insurance hires: Mosaic, Carbon, BMS, Smart Choice

Pictured left to right, top row: Iraj Dehnavi, Maureen Domenicone, Thomas Duggan, Noelle MacDonald, Patrick Enderlin, Karen Reilly, Patrick Grassl; left to right, bottom row: Melissa Sweeney, Max Horn, Sophia Terzulli, Rob Stedman, Vesta Zavistauskaite, and Dan Weber

Roster changes have been announced by Mosaic Insurance, Carbon Underwriting, BMS Group, and Smart Choice.

Team grows with 13 new colleagues

Mosaic Insurance widened its environmental risk capability, bringing 13 experienced specialists on board as part of a strategic effort to grow its business throughout the Americas.

The expansion represents a new phase of development for Mosaic’s environmental liability division, which was introduced less than two years ago as the company’s seventh product line. The new hires (pictured above) are spread across the US, augmenting an established group of seven environmental risk experts currently operating in London, Toronto, and Philadelphia.

Duggan will serve as environmental claims head; Domenicone, Grassl, Horn, MacDonald, Reilly, Stedman, and Weber as senior vice presidents; Enderlin, Sweeney, and Zavistauskaite as VPs; and Dehnavi and Terzulli as assistant vice presidents.

Jim Finnamore, global head of environmental liability at Mosaic, noted: “This accelerates our scale-up in the US, Canada, and wider Americas, and paves the way for immediate, broad market engagement across the region at a time when it’s most needed.”

The expansion comes on the heels of Mosaic’s earlier move into a landmark office on 42nd Street in New York City and the hiring of Toby Smith as chief executive of the Americas.

Syndicate management head arrives

Carbon Underwriting, which manages syndicates CBN 4747 and CBN 5757 at Lloyd’s, brought in Julie Gallagher (pictured immediately below) to serve as syndicate management head with immediate effect.

Gallagher made the switch to the managing general underwriter from Asta Capital, where she held the role of client management head. Her extensive experience in managing syndicate performance and nurturing relationships will be instrumental in Carbon’s ongoing growth and innovation.

In her new capacity, Gallagher will have oversight of the performance and operations of Carbon’s syndicates, including Syndicate 5757, which was granted Lloyd’s in-principle approval to begin underwriting at the start of next year.

By the 2025 year of account, Carbon expects to manage £400 million in gross written premium.

“I am excited to join Carbon at such a pivotal moment in its development,” commented Gallagher. “Syndicate management and fostering strong syndicate relationships are critical to driving sustainable growth and ensuring long-term success.

“Carbon’s commitment to innovation, particularly through the Graphene platform, sets it apart in the industry. I am eager to contribute to this dynamic environment and help shape the future of Carbon’s syndicates, especially as we embark on the journey with Syndicate 5757.”

Group names chief broking officer

Independent insurance and reinsurance broker BMS Group hired UK-based Richard Dudley as group chief broking officer effective in December.

With over three decades of experience, Dudley has held a range of senior positions in the industry, most recently as global head of climate strategy at Aon. His extensive background includes serving as CEO of Aon’s commercial risk wholesale and specialty broking in London.

At BMS, Dudley will focus on advancing the company’s reinsurance platforms in both London and Bermuda. His established relationships and experience in managing large specialty businesses will support the continued expansion of BMS’s London specialty division, led by Ian Gormley.

Dudley currently serves on the Council of Lloyd’s, where he chairs two committees aimed at market transformation. Additionally, he is a former chair of the London & International Insurance Brokers’ Association.

BMS chief executive Nick Cook said: “Richard brings an impressive wealth of experience and will play a key role in supporting BMS as it continues to grow. His vast expertise in both specialty and reinsurance, along with his relationships and history of working with colleagues, insurers, regulators, and clients across the globe, will be instrumental as BMS expands its international footprint.”

Agents program picks finance chief

Brandon Flinchum (pictured below), a seasoned professional with two decades of experience at Forvis Mazars, now serves as chief financial officer at Smart Choice, an agents program under the Worldwide Insurance Network umbrella.

During his tenure at one of the largest public accounting firms in the US, Flinchum held several roles, including his most recent position as managing director in the company’s Triad assurance practice.

Smart Choice president Andrew Caldwell explained: “With over $130 million dollars in acquisitions in the past year, and an EBITDA that has tripled since year-end 2022 – it was the perfect time to add a seasoned professional to our team.

“Brandon was also on the Forvis Mazars team that audited our financials in prior years, so he is extremely familiar with our business model.”

Chief operating officer Joe Fisher added: “Brandon and I serve on the board of the United Way of Greater High Point, where he has recently assumed the position of board chair.

“His leadership skills and initiative are critical not only to our exponential growth at Smart Choice, but also to our mission of giving back generously to our community.”

What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.