Headquarters:

180 Genesee Street, New Hartford, NY 13413

Year founded:

1914

Number of employees:

More than 1,300

Phone:

1 800 598 8422

Email:

hello@worthyinsurance.com

Website:

uticanational.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uticanational/

“We maintain several cross-company employee networks allowing staff to connect and learn from each other, fostering our inclusive culture and celebrating the diversity within our business”

Marcella McLean, Arch Insurance International

UTICA NATIONAL INSURANCE GROUP

Richard P. Creedon

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Kristen H. Martin

President and Chief Operating Officer

Christoph Birchler

Chief Financial Officer

Leadership

Richard Creedon serves as chairman of the board and CEO for the member companies of the Utica National Insurance Group. He was named to the position in 2019. He joined the company in 1998 as assistant vice president and director of workers’ compensation claims. Following several promotions, he was appointed president and COO in 2013 and began his tenure as president and CEO in 2016, serving in that role until this most recent promotion.

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Richard P. Creedon

Kristen Martin was named president and COO in 2019 and elected director of the Utica Mutual Insurance Company, Graphic Arts Mutual Insurance Company and Republic-Franklin Insurance Company. She joined Utica National as an Examiner in 2001 and, following several promotions, was named corporate secretary in 2013, executive vice president in 2013, and director of underwriting operations in 2014. She was named executive vice president and COO in 2016.

President and Chief Operating Officer

Kristen H. Martin

With more than 25 years of experience in the financial sector across Europe and New York, Christoph Birchler brings expertise in insurance and reinsurance. As Orion180’s CFO since December 2021, he oversees finance, audit, and treasury. Birchler holds a BBA from the Hochschule fuer Wirtschaft und Verwaltung in Zurich and an MS in accounting from Syracuse University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in New York, New Hampshire, and Florida and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. With extensive financial knowledge, Birchler plays a pivotal role in shaping Orion180’s financial landscape, leveraging his expertise for success.

Chief Financial Officer

Christoph Birchler

“We maintain several cross-company employee networks allowing staff to connect and learn from each other, fostering our inclusive culture and celebrating the diversity within our business”

Marcella McLean, Arch Insurance International

Read on

Award Winner

Leadership

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Marcella McLean, Arch Insurance International

“We maintain several cross-company employee networks allowing staff to connect and learn from each other, fostering our inclusive culture and celebrating the diversity within our business”

Marcella McLean, Arch Insurance International

Read on

Award Winner

Leadership

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Mike Gilmer

Senior Vice President, Claims

Mike Gilmer brings over 30 years of claims management and administration experience to Orion180. Known for leadership, strategic vision, and technical expertise, he excels in establishing best practices, managing field claims operations, ensuring compliance, and catastrophe management. Formerly VP of claims at Seibels and Gulfstream Property and Casualty, Gilmer also held leadership roles at Citizens Property & Casualty and Assurant Specialty Property. With a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University and a Florida adjuster license, he is a valuable asset to Orion180’s claims management capabilities. Gilmer’s effective leadership and strong communication skills foster collaboration and excellence across the insurance industry.

Senior Vice President, Claims

Mike Gilmer

Mark Casteel

General Counsel

Mark Casteel, Orion180’s General Counsel, brings a unique blend of expertise in business economics and law to his role. With more than 15 years as VP and assistant general counsel for Citizens Property Insurance, he offers valuable legal counsel. He previously served as a partner in a private law firm and general counsel for the Florida Department of Financial Services. Beyond his legal expertise, he was an executive assistant to a former Florida senate president. Casteel’s broad experience provides him with a discerning eye and extensive insurance knowledge, offering invaluable insights and guidance. He plays a crucial role in navigating the legal landscape and ensuring compliance at Orion180.

General Counsel

Mark Casteel

Utica National Insurance Group is a nationally recognized group of insurers, providing personal and commercial insurance products and services and having the second-largest errors and omissions business in the US. The member companies of Utica National sell their products through more than 2,500 independent insurance agents and employ over 1,300 people nationwide. The lead insurance company of the group, Utica Mutual Insurance Company, was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in New Hartford, NY, with offices countrywide. The member companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are rated* “A” (Excellent) by AM Best. Learn more at uticanational.com. *For the latest rating, visit ambest.com.

Marcella McLean, Arch Insurance International

Luis Velazquez

Senior Vice President, Technology

Junie Lopez

Vice President, Marketing

Scott Crozier

Vice President, Product

Simon Williams

Chief Strategy & Distribution Officer, Arch Insurance International and Active Underwriter, Syndicate 1955

Luis Velazquez, Orion180’s senior VP of technology, brings extensive experience and expertise to his role. With a background in the technology sector, particularly in Florida, he has made significant contributions to engineering vision and roadmaps at companies like Satcom Direct and Globe Wireless for over 20 years. At Orion180, Velazquez is responsible for driving software engineering strategy, developing roadmaps, and refining processes. He also assembles and leads teams instrumental in building the company’s innovative insurance platform. With a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from FIT, Velazquez combines technical knowledge with a passion for emerging technologies that advance the industry. Through his leadership, Orion180 stays at the forefront of technology-driven advancements.

Senior Vice President, Technology

Luis Velazquez

Junie Lopez, a seasoned marketing professional, plays a pivotal role in driving Orion180’s public image and visibility. With more than 20 years of experience leading corporate marketing initiatives for Fortune 500 corporations and a national P&C MGU/MGA, she propels Orion180 forward. Her passion for the insurance industry and asset protection led her to join Orion180 in 2021. Armed with a BA from Florida International University, Lopez creates award-winning marketing programs and assembles high-performing teams, elevating businesses into the public consciousness. Her strategic vision and marketing acumen position Orion180 as a prominent player in the industry. Her expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the success of Orion180.

Vice President, Marketing

Junie Lopez

Scott Crozier, who joined Orion180 in January 2023, brings a strong passion for leadership and service to his role. With more than 25 years of experience in property and casualty insurance operations, he has expertise with national, regional, and Florida-specific insurers. Crozier held leadership positions in underwriting, customer experience, product development, and sales. He holds a BA in History from Rhode Island College and esteemed designations such as CPCU, AIC, and API. Crozier’s dedication to service extends beyond insurance; he’s a former U.S. Army Infantryman and officer. As the operations officer for a 3,500-Soldier Infantry Brigade Combat Team, he served in the Florida Army National Guard. With extensive experience, leadership capabilities, and a commitment to service, Crozier contributes to Orion180’s growth and success.

Vice President, Product

Scott Crozier

Kimi leads the Estate Planning and Wealth Protection team and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She understands the complex and delicate nature of family estate planning, the technical requirements around probate and estate administration, and the importance of preserving wealth for future generations. Her advice is accurate, commercial, strategic and tailored to each situation.

Partner

Kimi Shah

Partner

Kimi Shah

Partner

Kimi Shah

Sarah M Stewart

Associate Vice President, Leasing and Call Centre Operations

Karen Bannister, CM

Vice President, Marketing

Dave Longbottom

Chief Technology Officer

Alex Ventura

Head of Marketing

Damian Palovick

Senior Vice President of Underwriting AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America

Dr. Mary Lavoie

Head of Risk Management and Senior Vice President AXA XL – Delegated Authority Programs, North America

Mark Bernacki

Chief Underwriting Officer

Ryan Armijo

Chief Operating Officer, Underwriting Division

Bob Petrilli

President, Underwriting Division

Arch provides underwriting solutions across a diverse and growing portfolio of more than 20 business classes, spanning multiple platforms in the London company market, the Lloyd’s market, the UK regional market as well as markets in Australia, Bermuda, and the EU. Through their Lloyd’s and London company market platforms, Arch provides customised solutions and high levels of capacity across multiple (re)insurance classes. Arch’s UK Regional division, launched in 2018, offers specialised insurance solutions for a wide range of businesses, from 11 locations across the country. The past few years have been transformational for Arch Insurance International. Since 2019 the company has more than trebled in size in terms of GWP, and this growth has been seen across all territorial platforms. In 2021 Arch launched its new brand promise, Pursuing Better Together, encapsulating an approach to doing business based on collaboration, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to continually raising the bar. Arch has a clearly defined three-year plan that is underpinned by more than 100 objectives.

SPECIAL REPORT

Home

Bio

Read on

IB Top Brokerages

Award Winner

“We will continue to strengthen our service proposition and customer experience as a key differentiator, as we build on the momentum we have achieved to date across multiple business lines and territories,” says McLean. “Our im is to continue to grow our market relevance and strengthen our partnerships with our strategic brokers as we expand our leadership position in key sectors. “We will also continue to invest in talent. We are committed to drawing from the broadest pools of talent, and to creating an environment that attracts and retains stellar employees. We recognise the importance of building teams that are diverse, collaborative, and innovative and are dedicated to cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture in which all our employees can thrive.”