Pioneer launches E&S casualty division
Pioneer Underwriters, the underwriting group within Minova Insurance, has launched an excess and surplus (E&S) casualty division.
Based in Pioneer Special Risk’s Atlanta office, Jim Pratte will lead the division as executive vice president. He will report to Darren Doherty, chief executive officer of Pioneer Underwriters.
Pratte joins from Maxum Specialty Insurance Company (MSIC) where, since 2007, he has led the primary and excess lines portfolio. Prior to MSIC, Pratte was senior vice president at Axis Insurance Company.
The division will focus on an even mix of non-admitted primary and excess liability business among construction, manufacturing and general service or installation.
Doherty said: “I am very pleased to welcome Jim to Pioneer as we launch our excess and surplus casualty division, the latest development in our ongoing operational expansion. We see enormous opportunity in this area of the market and, with over three decades of experience writing and building profitable long term books of business, Jim will play an important role as Pioneer continues to grow its presence in the US marketplace.”
Pratte said: “I am delighted to be joining Pioneer which, with its growing reputation for technical underwriting expertise and operational flexibility, offers the perfect platform from which to grow a market leading book of excess and surplus casualty business.”
