AIG brings CNA talent to drive growth, underwriting at Blackboard Insurance

Blackboard Insurance, a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG), has hired CNA's John Mizzi to replace Ed Pulkstenis as new head of growth and underwriting as it plans to expand in the commercial middle market.

The company is targeting growth using a data, analytics and technology-driven underwriting approach. It has created a new role for Pulkstenis as head of machine augmented solutions, wherein he will use his 25 years of commercial insurance industry experience to design the optimal interaction between the human and machine.

Mizzi will be joining the firm from CNA, where he led commercial field operations since 2016. He previously had a 25-year career at Chubb, where he most recently served as senior vice president and Eastern territory field underwriting officer.

“We are thrilled to have John join us. His extensive experience in the middle market and years of relationship-building, combined with our new technology platform, customer-centricity and analytics-driven underwriting approach will take us to new heights," said Seraina Macia, chief executive officer of Blackboard. “Two years into Blackboard’s build, we are ready to further engage in the market in a focused, yet meaningful way and we look forward to bringing our innovative approach to more participants in the commercial insurance industry.”

Mizzi commented: “Data-driven analysis is foundational for top-performing commercial insurance carriers, and Blackboard’s use of technology to streamline the underwriting process is unprecedented in the middle market space,” John said. “I am excited to work with the Blackboard team and leverage this model that enables us to quickly respond to the needs of our distribution partners and clients.”

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