Arch lifts 8-year vet to top North America insurance post

Arch Capital named a new president from its own stable for its North American insurance unit to oversee its slew of top underwriting officers and select operating teams.

Brian First (Pictured), who first joined Arch in 2014, has been promoted to president of the North American unit from his to-date post of chief underwriting officer for programmes, property and specialty. He will continue to report to the unit’s CEO Matt Shulman.

Unit CEO Matt Shulman commented: “Brian First has been instrumental to our success over the past several years, and we’re all very excited to have him take on these expanded responsibilities. In addition to being an incredibly insightful underwriter, Brian is a well-rounded and respected leader who will help steer our organization as we pursue our ambitious goals.”

First’s direct reports include: the EVP for corporate underwriting services Catherine Kelly, the chief underwriting offer (CUO) for financial and professional lines John Rafferty, the CUO casualty and surety Rich Stock, and the CUO of property Valerie Turpin.

First commented: “I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team — as well as our talented underwriting and operations teams — as we look to build our capabilities and continue to deliver on our brand promise of ‘Pursuing Better Together’ for our producers and partners.”

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