Hamilton hires Guy Carp exec to break into US

A former Guy Carpenter executive has joined Bermuda based Hamilton Insurance to help the company break into the US market.

Barbara Bufkin is set to join its US operations, Hamilton USA, as executive vice president, business development.

Reporting to Hamilton USA chief executive officer Conan Ward, Bufkin will be responsible for the development and execution of distribution, marketing and sales strategies, the development of new products, and for various programs including reinsurance strategies.

Bufkin joins Hamilton USA from Guy Carpenter where she held the position of chief operating officer, global strategic advisory. Prior to this, she was a member of the executive team at Argo International. She has also served as director of Swiss Re New Markets and as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Swiss Re subsidiary Facility Insurance.

The insurer has also hired Eduard Pulkstenis as president of small business in its US operations.

Reporting to chief executive officer Conan Ward, Pulkstenis will oversee all aspects of the development of the small business market segment for Hamilton USA.

Pulkstenis brings over 25 years’ experience in commercial lines business to his new position, most recently at Harbor Point Consulting Partners, a firm he co-founded to provide consultative advice regarding business strategy, business intelligence and other solutions to small businesses, insurance distributors, carriers and other participants in the insurance market.

Prior to this, Pulkstenis held executive positions in a number of insurance companies, including executive vice president, commercial lines at Tower Group Companies and senior vice president and chief underwriting officer at The Hartford Financial Services Group.

“I am tremendously excited to welcome Barbara to the Hamilton USA team,” said Ward. “Her comprehensive knowledge of the insurance sector and products, vast network of contacts, and global perspective will be invaluable as we build our business.”

“Ed’s commitment to advancing the use of analytics to build outperforming businesses is outstanding, and he’ll be a huge asset to our organisation,” he added. “As we build an organisation that uses tomorrow’s technology and analytical techniques, leaders like Ed are critical to our success.”

Bufkin said: “The opportunity to work with an organisation dedicated to shifting the insurance paradigm represents a rare opportunity. Conan’s operations will be anchored in a depth of data intelligence and a breadth of intellectual capital that is unique in our industry. I’m excited about the possibilities presented by Hamilton USA and look forward to contributing to its growth and development.”