XL strengthens property team with Zurich hire

XL has boosted its North America property insurance team with the appointment of Jay Smelser as South Central regional leader.

Smelser joins XL Group from Zurich Insurance where he most recently served as vice president and area property manager.

Smelser is based in Dallas and reports to senior vice president and head of North America general property Wade Pitman in Los Angeles.

Michele Sansone, president of XL Group’s North America property, said: “This region is filled with industries including energy, technology and manufacturing businesses that have some of the most complex property risks out there. XL Group’s underwriters and property risk engineers are particularly skilled at addressing the insurance and loss prevention needs of these businesses. And we continue to build up our underwriting expertise, with seasoned insurance professionals like Jay, to do so.”

Pitman said: “As we look to grow in this region, Jay’s experience and reputation will help us strengthen our local client and broker relationships. He adds some 20 years of underwriting experience, including complex domestic and international property risks to our team. We know our client and brokers will find him to be an informative and valuable resource in property risk management.”