Everest recruits ex-Chubb veteran as it targets growth

Stephen Buonpane has joined Everest Insurance in the newly created role of senior vice president, casualty specialty lines and industry practices. He will report to Bill Hazelton, head of retail casualty and industry practices, Everest Insurance North America.

Buonpane will be responsible for leading the growth of Everest’s casualty specialty lines, including energy, life sciences, and environmental, while further expanding the company’s industry practices group. 

Everest said the new role will support its “strategy of diversifying its industry vertical expertise for an enhanced broker and client experience across multiple risk management products”.

Prior to joining Everest, Buonpane was the co-founder and chief insurance officer for Shepherd, catering to the commercial construction space and creating technology solutions designed to enhance underwriting processes and risk assessment. 

Before that, he worked as executive vice president, construction industry practice leader at Chubb. Buonpane joined ACE (now Chubb) in 2009 and has spent nearly 15 years with the group in roles of increasing responsibility. He also spent the initial few years of his career at AIG.

Hazelton said: “I have known Stephen for many years, and he has long been a respected authority in specialised risk management. Having grown a successful tech-enabled MGU that pioneered innovative insurance products and digital solutions for commercial construction clients, he understands the dynamics and expectations of complex and highly specialised businesses.”

Mike Mulray, president, Everest Insurance North America, said: “Everest’s innovative culture and reputation for underwriting discipline have helped us attract the best talent in our industry, and Stephen is a prime example. His track record of creating new partnerships, enhancing profitability, and delivering world-class expertise perfectly aligns with our client-first approach and vision to become the market’s preferred casualty and industry practice-focused carrier.”

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