United Risk has appointed Richard Christofer as its president and chief commercial officer (CCO).  

Christofer, previously with AIG, Guy Carpenter and Gen Re, will lead the recruitment and acquisition of new underwriting programmes and manage the company’s existing business.  

He will operate out of the corporate headquarters at Rockefeller Centre in New York. 

Christofer stated: “This is a great time to be in the MGA [managing general agent] business. Our concept has been growth through bolt-ons and recruitment of the very best talent. When we bring on a new operation, we are already looking at proven underwriting and claims results. The outcome has been solid financial performance for our carriers and reinsurers and solid growth within all of the programmes. 

“Our unique culture based on free enterprise has become an attractive force for the brightest minds in the business. I enjoy the camaraderie among so many great people in our organisation as we work towards our common goals.” 

United Risk has also promoted Dónal Corcoran to head of international business development. 

The company has also announced promotions within its various divisions.  

Garrett Huff has been appointed senior underwriter for Applied Financial Lines and Emily Woodrome has been named executive underwriter at Applied Surety Underwriters.  

Applied Underwriters Aviation has welcomed Kristina Orcutt as vice-president of underwriting, Josh Wilcoxon as vice-president of claims and Deanna Pease as senior underwriter.  

These executive moves follow a recent structural change, with Applied Underwriters spinning off its United Risk subsidiary into an independent entity. 

The company has also filled new roles including underwriters and vice-presidents to bolster its expertise across various lines of business.