Hallmark hires former Torus exec to lead new division

Property and casualty insurer Hallmark Financial Services has launched a specialty property unit.

Gerald Dupre, a former Torus executive, will lead the unit as president. He previously served as senior vice president of Americas property and general property global property practice leader for Torus.

The unit will initially offer excess and surplus commercial property insurance products, distributed exclusively through designated wholesale brokers.

“Joining Hallmark has been a great opportunity to develop a new operation,” said Dupre. “We have already developed a strong core of underwriting and support talent and are looking forward to growing and expanding the business and its offerings.”

Naveen Anand, president and chief executive officer of Hallmark, also joined from Torus last year. At Torus, Anand served as US chief executive and global chief operating officer

Anand said: “Gerald’s experience and in depth knowledge of property risks makes him uniquely qualified to lead and develop our new specialty property insurance unit. We are excited about the products our new operating unit will bring to our wholesale brokerage partners.”