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ERIC JOOST COO Willis North America, New York WHY HOT: Picked for senior post with Willis Joost was named to the newly created post of COO of Willis North America from his position as chief executive of Willis North America’s Specialty Practices. He will continue to lead the North American Specialty Practices, which serves key sectors, including construction, healthcare, financial services, real estate and life sciences. He has more than 25 years of industry experience and has held leadership positions at Allianz and Aon.
ALAN JAY KAUFMAN CEO Burns & Wilcox, Farmington Hills, MI
BRADY R KELLEY Executive director NAPSLO, Kansas City WHY HOT: Steady voice for wholesalers Since 2011, Kelley has tirelessly promoted the wholesale model of distribution. As chief of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, Kelley unveiled a new messaging thrust built around the group’s members’ commitment to integrity and professionalism. He also introduced a new logo and graphics package for the organization. Prior to joining NAPSLO, Kelley was CFO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
WHY HOT: What does he see? The big picture The demographics are clear. The industry’s executive ranks are graying. Action is needed to make sure the next year’s growth industries have capable risk transfer partners. Kaufman is delivering on that need. The legal and financial worlds assiduously develop new talent, Kaufman said, but in insurance “there simply is not the same level of commitment.” Kaufman is expanding his firm’s proprietary — and successful — in-house training and continuing education program and making it available to the entire industry online.
NICOLE KECK Commercial lines coordinator AW Welt Ambrisco Insurance Iowa City WHY HOT: Named customer service rep of the year Keck was named the 2013 National Outstanding Customer Service Representative of the Year. The Society of Certified Insurance Service Representatives and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors selected Keck as the winner from a field of 49 state winners. In her winning essay, Keck cited four communication barriers she has faced and how she has overcome them: finding a common language; communication style differences; e-mail pitfalls; and time management.
STEVE KEMPSEY Casualty leader Marsh US Casualty, New York WHY HOT: Takes reins at key division of industry titan Steve Kempsey, a 20-year Marsh veteran, was tapped in 2013 as the international heavyweight’s new US casualty leader. Based in New York, Kempsey is responsible for oversight of Marsh’s primary and excess casualty operations in the US, its International Casualty Practice, and its Workers’ Compensation Center of Excellence. Kempsey has spent his entire 20-year insurance career at Marsh. Earlier this year, he assumed responsibility for the International Casualty Practice, in addition to his role as East Zone casualty leader, which he was appointed to in 2011. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in the West Zone as a client executive and within Marsh’s casualty and FINPRO practices. He began his career at Marsh as a nuclear adviser in the Power and Utilities Practice. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 | 31