Risk Strategies appoints new regional head

US specialty insurance brokerage and alternative risk program provider Risk Strategies has appointed a new commercial lines leader for the Western region. Jim Schmidt will be responsible for building its regional strategy for commercial property and casualty business.

Schmidt brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and has worked across non-profit, manufacturing, contracting, real estate and health care sectors, as well with captives. Most recently, he was director of business development at privately owned insurance and risk management advisor Associated Agencies Inc in Chicago.

John Scroope, national director of retail operations for Risk Strategies, said: “Jim is a strategic thinker who has substantial experience in successfully leading teams to exceed their goals and provide top-notch client service at local, regional and national levels.

“We are excited for him to join Risk Strategies and continue to strengthen alignment and collaboration, driving our best-in-class client experience.”

As a public speaker, Schmidt has led seminars at several conferences on professional liability, business insurance and captive insurance companies.