Everest Re hires new CFO from SCOR and COO from Chubb following departure

Everest Re has unveiled key changes to its executive leadership team with the hiring of  SCOR's group chief financial officer Mark Kociancic and Chubb's small business leader Jim Williamson.

Kociancic will join Everest Re as executive vice president and group chief financial officer, replacing Craig Howie, who is leaving the re/insurer after eight years. Howie will stay with Everest through December 31, 2020.

Williamson will join as executive vice president and group chief operating officer, responsible for advancing underwriting excellence, digital transformation, innovation, and efficiency across the group.

Both Kociancic and Williamson will serve on Everest's executive leadership committee and report directly to president and chief executive officer Juan Andrade.

Everest Re said these leadership appointments will support the company’s strategy of profitably growing a balanced and diversified insurance and reinsurance portfolio, in order to maximize shareholder returns and deliver earnings.

Kociancic joins Everest from SCOR, where he most recently served as group chief financial officer since 2013. He had previously served in various senior executive roles with SCOR’s US operations beginning in 2006, prior to being named group deputy chief financial officer in 2012 and then group chief financial officer.

Williamson joins Everest from Chubb, where he most recently served as division president of small business. He previously served in various senior executive roles with Chubb’s North America and International operations, as well as at The Hartford.

Andrade said: “Mark and Jim are exceptionally talented executives who bring a wealth of experience, operational acumen, and global industry knowledge to Everest. Mark is a seasoned CFO with deep global expertise across the entire finance function and with strong capital markets and investments experience. Jim is a strategic leader with extensive Property & Casualty industry experience and an excellent track record of building, growing, and running profitable businesses. I am very excited to partner with them, and the rest of our executive management team, to build upon our strong foundation and deliver our strategic objectives in the next chapter of Everest’s journey.”

He added: “On behalf of the executive management team, I want to thank Craig Howie for his dedication to this organization over the past eight years. He has been an instrumental leader and an important contributor to Everest’s evolution, and we wish him the best in his next endeavor.”

Kociancic stated: “I am delighted to be joining Everest and I am excited about its bright future. I look forward to working with Juan, the executive leadership team, and the finance organization to further enhance our capabilities and build upon Everest’s strong franchise.”

Williamson commented: “I am excited to join the high performing team at Everest. This team has built best in class capabilities in reinsurance and insurance, and the Company has incredible potential to continue its track record of profitable growth. I look forward to working with Juan and the rest of the team to lead Everest to greater heights.”