Burns & Wilcox names new EVP

Burns & Wilcox has appointed Scott Higgins as executive vice president, commercial insurance.

Higgins joins the company after more than three decades at Travelers. During his time with Travelers, he held leadership roles across various lines of business and geographic regions.

Since 2016, Higgins served as president of middle market, national property and business insurance field organization, where he was responsible for leading teams and managing relationships across the company’s North American operations.

In his new role, Higgins will oversee the company’s commercial insurance operations across North America and report directly to the company’s president, Danny Kaufman.

Kaufman said Higgins brings experience across multiple sectors and has built longstanding relationships within the insurance industry. He added that Higgins is expected to support the development of the company’s commercial portfolio and contribute to broader strategic initiatives.

As part of the executive team, Higgins will work closely with senior leadership at H.W. Kaufman Group and heads of business units across the organization’s global network.

Higgins’ responsibilities will include leading the commercial strategy, enhancing client and market engagement and identifying opportunities to improve operational performance. He will also oversee recruitment efforts and explore potential acquisitions that align with the company’s growth plans.

Commenting on his role, Higgins described it as an opportunity to join a company focused on expansion. He said Burns & Wilcox, as a privately held and family-operated business, is investing in its workforce, technology and professional development to support long-term objectives.

Higgins’ appointment is in line with the company’s strategy to improve its footprint in the commercial insurance market. This market is considered a key segment of the broader property and casualty industry in North America.

The industry includes coverage for a wide range of business risks, including property damage, general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation. The sector has experienced shifting conditions in recent years, influenced by inflation, increased litigation activity, climate-related exposures, and changing economic trends.

Mergers, acquisitions, and talent acquisition remain central to growth strategies, particularly among firms looking to expand their capabilities in specialized or underserved markets.