Jake Sokol Appointed as Head of Excess Casualty for ICW Specialty's New Division

ICW Group Appoints Jake Sokol as Head of Excess Casualty for New Business Unit

On September 23, 2025, ICW Group Insurance Companies made a significant announcement regarding their expansion strategy by appointing Jake Sokol as the Head of Excess Casualty for ICW Specialty. This new business unit aims to cater to the growing demand for specialized insurance products in the Excess Casualty market.

Sokol's main responsibility in this newly established division will be to provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Excess Casualty segment, with plans for its official launch scheduled for the next year. Under his leadership, ICW Specialty aspires to innovate and transform how Excess Casualty products are developed and delivered to clients.

This appointment aligns with ICW Group's broader diversification strategy, as they look to expand their footprint in the specialty insurance arena. Sokol's leadership is expected to enhance product innovation, refine underwriting strategies, and attract top talents essential for driving the Excess Casualty division's success.

Based out of Atlanta, Sokol will be working closely with Tracey Estes, the newly appointed Chief Underwriting Officer of ICW Specialty. Tracey expressed great enthusiasm regarding Sokol's entry into the team. "We are thrilled to welcome Jake Sokol as the Head of Excess Casualty at ICW Specialty. Jake brings a wealth of experience in the Excess Casualty marketplace and possesses a leadership style that is centered around empowering and inspiring teams. We believe his expertise is paramount for launching our first specialty insurance product."

Sokol boasts an impressive background in the insurance sector, with over 20 years of specialized experience in Excess Casualty underwriting and strategic portfolio management. His past roles include Vice President and Head of National Accounts for Excess Casualty at Everest Insurance, where he successfully managed a significant Excess Casualty portfolio while spearheading a talented team of underwriters across the nation. His experience doesn't stop there—he has also held senior positions at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and C.V. Starr, focusing on product development and large-scale commercial portfolios.

"I am deeply honored to join ICW Group's respected leadership team at such a crucial juncture in the company's journey," said Sokol upon his appointment. "With a clear vision for growth, we are poised to develop a world-class specialty insurance platform, starting with our Excess Casualty product line. My goal is to provide exceptional experiences for our clients through strong relationships, innovative solutions, and sustainable value. I am equally excited to maintain and foster the people-first culture that ICW Group has cultivated over its 53-year history, placing employees, partners, and policyholders at the heart of what we do."

ICW Specialty encompasses a diverse range of insurance offerings, including the Excess and Surplus lines under the VerTerra Insurance brand. Continuous updates regarding the development of ICW Specialty and its innovative insurance products will be available through their official website, www.icwgroup.com.

About ICW Group

ICW Group Insurance Companies are recognized as a leading national multi-line property and casualty insurer, offering comprehensive coverage solutions to protect the interests of their customers. Their family of carriers includes notable entities like Insurance Company of the West, Explorer Insurance Company, and VerTerra Insurance. With a strong commitment to improving the insurance experience for policyholders and partners, ICW Group remains a trusted choice for insurance solutions across the country.

For more details, visit ICW Group's official website.