Tokio Marine unit names new CEO following exit

Property and casualty insurance underwriting agency Tokio Marine Highland, a wholly owned company of  Tokio Marine Kiln, has appointed a new chief executive officer (CEO).

Norman Heinrich (pictured) succeeds Pat Blandford, who stepped down after serving nearly two decades in multiple leadership roles, including CEO since 2018.

Heinrich has more than 35 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry. He joined Tokio Marine Highland (formerly WNC Insurance Services) in 1995 to build the company’s private flood insurance division.

Most recently, Heinrich served as chief underwriting officer, coordinating the underwriting operations and relationships between Tokio Marine Highland and its parent company Tokio Marine Kiln.

“I’ve been fortunate to see Tokio Marine Highland’s growth and development over nearly three decades,” Heinrich said. “I’m excited for our future and the opportunity to further our strategy and work even more closely with the various divisions and departments at Tokio Marine Highland and Tokio Marine Kiln. I want to thank Pat for his leadership and guidance in transforming the business into the success it is today.”

Brad Irick, CEO of Tokio Marine Kiln, said: “Norman brings extensive knowledge of our business and our industry to the role, having done a sterling job of leading the underwriting strategy for Tokio Marine Highland. I am delighted to work with him as we explore Tokio Marine Highland’s ambitions together.”

He added: “I want to extend a huge thanks to Pat for his significant contribution to Tokio Marine Highland and Tokio Marine Kiln over the past two decades of his career. I am personally grateful to Pat for his strong leadership and direction of Tokio Marine Highland, hard work, support and success in reaching many of our goals together. He leaves the business in a stronger position than when he took up the post as CEO, and I know it will continue to thrive under Norman’s leadership.”