Pioneer boosts board with former Markel COO

Pioneer Underwriting, the holding company overseeing Pioneer’s US operations, has strengthened its board with the appointment of Paul Springman as non-executive chairman.

He will chair the Pioneer Underwriting board and committee meetings for all Pioneer’s US entities.

Prior to his retirement in 2010, Springman was president and chief operating officer of Markel Corporation, following a 25 year career with the carrier. He began his insurance career with Continental Insurance Company and Berkshire Hathaway.

Darren Doherty, chief executive officer of Pioneer Underwriters, said: “Pioneer has grown its US presence over the past 12 months and now operates via four trading hubs based in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta with licenses to operate in all 50 states including DC.

“Given Pioneer’s long-term growth plans into the US domestic surplus lines and admitted markets, Paul Springman will incorporate his significant experience, market knowledge and leadership to oversee this strategic expansion, playing a key role in further enriching our business culture. I’m very much looking forward to working with Paul and welcome him to Pioneer.”

Springman said: “I’m excited to be joining Pioneer as it continues to mature into an increasingly significant player in the international insurance market. Brand recognition of Pioneer Underwriters in the US domestic P&C market is strengthening and the quality of the management team and underwriting skill evident in the business gives me great confidence in the ongoing growth of Pioneer’s US proposition.”