Everest hires former AIG exec to lead US property division

Everest Re Group has appointed Erik Nikodem as leader of its US property division.

This newly formed division brings together key property underwriting groups, including the company’s excess & surplus lines property, retail property, and inland marine businesses, under one unit. This enhanced alignment will promote a more efficient and coordinated effort among these business units and within the distribution community, according to Everest.

Nikodem joins Everest Insurance from AIG, where he was most recently president and global property executive of their Americas region, responsible for the leadership, strategic planning and profitability of AIG’s commercial and energy property businesses in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Prior to joining AIG, Nikodem was a senior vice president with AON Benfield, Bermuda, overseeing the North American facultative reinsurance division. Earlier in his career, he founded and was president of Cooper Gay Risk Services, a global independent wholesaler specialising in large property accounts. He has also held successive underwriting, management and executive positions at both Lexington Insurance Company and the Continental Insurance Company.

Jonathan Zaffino, president of Everest Insurance North America, said: “With more than 25 years of industry experience, Erik is a proven leader and outstanding technician within the property market. He is well regarded by client and industry colleagues, and brings to us deep relationships within the US retail and wholesale communities.

“Erik has a passion for the business and will undoubtedly be a strong contributor to us in the months ahead.”