As part of its western expansion, Worcester-based The Hanover Insurance Group has added 165 insurance professionals.
The Hanover has made several appointments to its local team in the west, including Charlie Pelissier as regional vice president, Southern California; Steve Schaeberle as regional vice president, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah; Mark McGregor, branch manager, Washington and Oregon; Toni Mitchell as regional chief underwriting officer, Western region; and Rusty Manzo as senior marketing manager, small commercial affinity business.
Last year, the company announced it would expand west and enter into a renewal rights agreement with OneBeacon, acquiring access to $400 million in small and middle market commercial business at renewal.
"This is an exciting time for us. Six years ago, we set out to be the best partner for growing, independent agents. Today, we are delivering on that promise, having strengthened our company in every way – improving our financial strength, product offerings, operating model and service technologies, while building one of the best field teams in the industry," said Frederick H. Eppinger, chief executive officer of The Hanover.
Several other key field appointments were made throughout the country, including John Tillistrand to regional vice president, New York Metro and Connecticut; Rick Hernandez, branch manager, New York City; and David DeVinney, commercial lines underwriting manager, Long Island and Westchester County region.
The company also has hired several leaders in field support positions including: Chip Hamann, small commercial underwriting officer; Roger Pare, who will be responsible for middle market underwriting quality and execution and serve as the company’s integration officer for the OneBeacon transaction; and Gayle Falvey, who will be responsible for ensuring the high-quality delivery of small and middle market services–all of whom will work out of the company’s home office in Worcester.
The Hanover also appointed Audrey Keysa, underwriting manager, and Mark Thompson, underwriting manager, in its Buffalo, N.Y., office; and hired Wade Hartford, senior underwriting manager, and Kathryn Holland, senior operations manager, in its Salem, Va., office.
"The transaction with OneBeacon has given us a tremendous opportunity to add a number of knowledgeable and experienced people to our team," said Marita Zuraitis, president of The Hanover’s property and casualty companies.
