#United States #New York #Applied Underwriters #United Risk #Richard Christofer

United Risk's Continued Growth and Leadership Changes

In a bold move reflecting its ambitious growth strategy, United Risk has appointed Richard Christofer as President and Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Jamie Sahara, President of Applied Underwriters, made the announcement, revealing that the company is expanding its international operations significantly.

Founded in 2023, United Risk has rapidly ascended to become one of the foremost Managing General Agents (MGAs) globally, operating 37 underwriting programs across more than 50 offices worldwide. This growth trajectory has necessitated the recruitment of top-tier talent and the introduction of new underwriting initiatives.

Leadership Changes

Richard Christofer, who has been with United Risk since its inception, steps into the role of President and CCO, taking on pivotal responsibilities such as the recruitment and expansion of underwriting programs and overseeing existing operations. He operates from the company’s headquarters located in the iconic Rockefeller Center in New York City. Mr. Christofer, with an extensive background at renowned organizations such as AIG, Guy Carpenter, and Gen Re, is well-positioned to lead the company into its next phase of growth.

In discussing his new role, Mr. Christofer expressed optimism about the current landscape of the insurance industry, stating, "This is a great time to be in the MGA business. Our concept is straightforward: we focus on growth through strategic recruitment and by bringing in operations with proven underwriting success. The resulting partnerships have yielded solid financial performance for our carriers and strong growth across all programs."

Mr. Sahara commended Christofer's leadership, noting his significant contributions to establishing a robust suite of underwriting programs that have attracted top talent. He highlighted, "Rick has been instrumental in our success, and his promotion is a testament to the value he has brought to the organization."

In conjunction with Mr. Christofer's promotion, Mr. Dónal Corcoran has also been elevated to Head of International Business Development at United Risk, signifying further strategic alignment in the company’s growth endeavors.

New Talent Acquisition

Alongside these executive changes, United Risk announced the hiring of 29 professionals across various divisions, reflecting the company's commitment to fortifying its underwriting and claims capabilities. Significant appointments include:

• - Garrett Huff as Senior Underwriter at Applied Financial Lines.
• - Emily Woodrome as Executive Underwriter for Applied Surety Underwriters.
• - Kristina Orcutt, Josh Wilcoxon, and Deanna Pease at Applied Underwriters Aviation, with various responsibilities.
• - Mason Anderson joining as Senior Underwriter for Applied Crisis Underwriters, alongside a formidable team focusing on Cyber risks.

This significant wave of recruitment emphasizes United Risk's strategy of enhancing its service provisions across diverse sectors, including entertainment, healthcare, and environmental underwriting.

Looking Ahead

Mr. Christofer expressed a commitment to fostering a unique culture within United Risk that thrives on free enterprise, stating, "Our culture serves as an attractive force for the best minds in the industry. The camaraderie and shared vision among our talented team are instrumental as we pursue collective goals."

With these strategic appointments and an ambitious growth trajectory, United Risk is well-poised to solidify its position in the MGA landscape, driving innovation and excellence in insurance distribution and underwriting.

For more information about United Risk and its latest improvements in leadership and staffing, visit the United Risk website.

• ---