Arch Insurance North America appoints new president

Arch Insurance North America has promoted Brian First to president from chief underwriting officer (CUO) of Programs, Property and Specialty. He will continue to report to Matt Shulman, the company’s chief executive officer.

First, who joined Arch in 2014 and has 30 years of industry experience, will now have executive oversight over Arch Insurance’s business units and certain operations teams.

“Brian First has been instrumental to our success over the past several years, and we’re all very excited to have him take on these expanded responsibilities,” Shulman said. “In addition to being an incredibly insightful underwriter, Brian is a well-rounded and respected leader who will help steer our organisation as we pursue our ambitious goals.”

In this newly created role, First’s direct reports include: Catherine Kelly, EVP, Corporate Underwriting Services; John Rafferty, CUO, Financial, Professional & Programs; Rich Stock, CUO, Casualty & Surety; and Valerie Turpin, CUO, Property.

First said: “I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team–as well as our talented underwriting and operations teams–as we look to build our capabilities and continue to deliver on our brand promise of ‘Pursuing Better Together’ for our producers and partners.”