CRC Group unveils leadership changes

US wholesale specialty insurance firm CRC Group has made key changes to the company's senior leadership team, effective January 1, 2021.

Ron Helveston, currently CEO of commercial solutions will retire. He will be succeeded by division president Mike Brennan, who will assume responsibility for leadership and growth of all of CRC Group’s brokerage and binding operations.

Additionally, CRC Group chief operating officer Neil Kessler will be promoted to president and COO of the group. He will also assume the responsibility for CRC's M&A strategy as well as leadership of the company’s programmes and J.H. Blades divisions.

Helveston has worked in the insurance industry for more than 40 years, with more than 36 years spent at CRC.

Brennan has been a key part of CRC’s leadership team since joining through the company’s Swett & Crawford acquisition in 2016.

Kessler has worked in a variety of leadership roles in his 10 years at CRC and 17 years in the wholesale business. Kessler has been a key leader in the development of the firm's strategic initiatives, including its data and analytics platform.

Dave Obenauer, chief executive of CRC Group, said: “Ron has touched so many people both inside and outside of the industry through his leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy. Ron has been a critical component to CRC Group’s success as well as the success of the broader wholesale industry over his 40-plus year career. Ron will be missed, and we wish him all the best as he starts this next chapter. I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his family.”

He added: “The appointment of Mike and Neil to their new roles will set up the company for continued growth and success for many years to come. Neil and Mike’s leadership has been instrumental in driving CRC Group’s strategy and growth during their tenure. Neil and Mike are proven leaders, and in their new roles, I am confident they will have an even greater impact on CRC Group’s success in the future.”