Insurance hires: Alliant, AXA XL, Ignite Specialty Risk

New hires reflect investments in employee benefits, wholesale underwriting, and litigation risk insurance

Insurance hires: Alliant, AXA XL, Ignite Specialty Risk

Insurance News

By Kenneth Araullo

Several major insurance firms have announced key leadership appointments, reflecting strategic investments in employee benefits, wholesale underwriting, and litigation risk insurance. 

Alliant Insurance Services has appointed Crystal Calvo (pictured above left) as a vice president within its Employee Benefits Group. Based in San Diego, Calvo will lead a team focused on professional employer organization (PEO) solutions, working with clients nationwide to enhance payroll, benefits administration, and risk management. 

Kevin Overbey, president of Alliant Employee Benefits, said Calvo’s role involves bridging the gap between PEO providers and producers to develop solutions that align with client goals. 

“Her targeted expertise and depth of knowledge within the PEO space will deliver powerful results for consultants, clients, and insureds,” Overbey said.

Calvo brings experience in benefit strategy, payroll technology, and compliance. In addition to client-facing responsibilities, she will focus on producer education and retention initiatives.

She previously served as senior broker relationship manager in the PEO division of a major payroll technology firm. Calvo holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies and political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. 

AXA XL appointment in the Americas 

AXA XL has named Tim Whisler (pictured above center) as head of its wholesale business in the Americas. Reporting to Lucy Pilko, CEO Americas, Whisler will oversee the programs and excess and surplus (E&S) segments and lead the Wholesale Underwriting unit. 

Pilko noted that the E&S market is expected to surpass $110 billion in premium by the end of 2024, significantly outpacing broader market growth in recent years.

"Tim's appointment underscores our dedication to investing in this market, fostering broader distribution partnerships, and driving innovation in underwriting, products, and technology to achieve best-in-class status,” Pilko said.

Whisler has two decades of experience in wholesale insurance, including his tenure as head of Western World Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Lexington Insurance. In his new role, he will focus on expanding market presence, driving organic growth, and executing long-term underwriting objectives. 

Ignite Specialty Risk intellectual property underwriting appointment

Ignite Specialty Risk has appointed Ankit Patel (pictured above right) as US head of intellectual property (IP) underwriting. Patel will assess legal risks, negotiate insurance agreements, and support insured litigation matters as part of Ignite’s litigation risk insurance division. 

Nicole Silver, lead underwriter and US head of operations at Ignite, said Patel’s experience in intellectual property disputes and litigation risk coverage will enhance the firm’s offerings. 

Patel previously led the contingent legal risk insurance team for the Americas at Liberty Mutual and served as senior intellectual property counsel at Ambridge Partners LLC, where he focused on IP insurance solutions.

He holds an M.Sc. in biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University and is admitted to the New Jersey and Illinois bars.

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