Symphony Risk, Ames & Gough, BenefitMall announce leadership changes

Appointments include Symphony Risk's new COO and Ames & Gough’s equity partner

Symphony Risk, Ames & Gough, BenefitMall announce leadership changes

Insurance News

By Josh Recamara

A host of insurance appointments have been announced, involving Symphony Risk Solutions, Ames & Gough and BenefitMall.

Symphony Risk Solutions

Symphony Risk Solutions has announced two leadership appointments as it begins 2025.

Lee Stevenson has been named chief operating officer (COO), and Josh Warren has been appointed president of Symphony Transact, the firm’s division specializing in private equity and corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Stevenson brings over 30 years of experience to his new role. He joined Symphony Risk’s board in 2024 and has spent the last five years as CEO of Shore Point Advisory, where he advised investors and technology companies focused on the commercial insurance industry. He previously spent 25 years at Marsh McLennan, holding leadership positions including head of the Private Equity and M&A practice, regional CEO roles, and COO for the US and Canadian brokerage business.

Meanwhile, Warren brings over 20 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) due diligence, risk management, and private equity advisory. He previously served as the transaction advisory practice leader at Lockton Companies.

“Bringing Lee on as COO and having Josh lead Symphony Transact marks a pivotal moment for Symphony Risk,” said Michael Marcon, CEO of Symphony Risk Solutions. “Together, they embody the best-in-class talent strategy that defines Symphony Risk. Their leadership aligns with our clients’ desire for deep subject matter expertise and distinctive service skills and capabilities.”

Ames & Gough

In another leadership announcement, Ames & Gough has appointed Uri Gutfreund (pictured above, left) as an equity partner of the firm, effective January 29, 2025. Gutfreund, who joined Ames & Gough in 2022 as senior vice president, will continue to lead the firm’s law firm practice.

Matt Gough, president of Ames & Gough, said: “Uri has proven to be a strategic problem-solver and thought leader whose experience and knowledge has made a difference for our clients and our firm.”

Before joining Ames & Gough, Gutfreund had a 26-year career at Risk Strategies and was the founder of The Law Firm Leaders Conference. He is also a frequent speaker and writer on insurance matters and law firm leadership topics.

BenefitMall

Meanwhile, BenefitMall has appointed Tim Kealamakia (pictured above ,right) as its benefits sales executive for the Mountain West region, as the company aims to enhance its presence in the region.

Kealamakia previously served as the director of partnership development for more than four years with a company providing mental health services.

Founded in 1979, BenefitMall is a general agency in the US, working with a network of brokers. The company is part of CRC Group’s Specialty + Benefits division, a wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products.

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