Patricia Wells

First Financial is set to acquire Westfield Bancorp in a deal valued at $325 million, marking another step in its growth across the Midwest. The deal, which will combine cash and stock, brings Westfield’s retail banking branches and its insurance and private banking services into First Financial’s expanding network. Ohio Farmers Insurance Company, the parent … Read more

Holmes Murphy, an insurance agency based in Waukee, Iowa, recently welcomed 23 new employees as shareholders. These team members earned their shares after finishing the company’s top leadership program, Holmes Murphy University. Becoming a shareholder gives employees a say in the company’s future, helps the business grow, and strengthens the company culture. The new shareholders … Read more

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the property and casualty insurance industry is facing significant challenges. Economic volatility and changing consumer behaviors are making it harder for insurers to stay competitive. Many consumers are now more careful with their finances, leading to shifts in how they approach insurance purchases. One major concern this year … Read more

Coalition has launched a new tool called the Helios platform, designed to help cedants manage their cyber risk exposures in real time. This platform provides a self-service option for cedants, allowing them to access information that used to be available only in summary documents. Shawn Ram, Coalition’s chief revenue officer, emphasized the importance of real-time … Read more

COVU, Inc., a company based in San Francisco, has announced its acquisition of Ford Insurance Agency, a family-run business with over a century of history located in Eliot, Maine. This acquisition marks a significant step for COVU, which is on a mission to create a national platform that leverages artificial intelligence for customer service and … Read more

Aon plc has introduced a new platform called Aon Broker Copilot, designed to enhance the commercial insurance placement process using advanced technology. This innovative tool integrates artificial intelligence, large-language models, and predictive analytics to support brokers in making informed decisions. Clyde Bernstein, who leads placement technology at Aon, emphasized that Broker Copilot will empower brokers … Read more

Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary, has announced the appointment of Patrick De Baets as the new CEO of Howden Belgium, effective immediately. De Baets brings over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, having previously held senior roles in Belgium and Europe. Before joining Howden, he was the head of Foyer Assurances in Belgium … Read more

MJ Companies, an insurance agency and financial consulting firm based in Indianapolis, has appointed Craig Reavis as its new vice president for business and community development. This announcement comes alongside the company’s recent decision to lease new office space in the upscale Nashville Yards development, located near downtown Nashville. Reavis brings over 15 years of … Read more

Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc., based in East Providence, Rhode Island, recently announced a series of promotions within its leadership team. This move reflects the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in the insurance industry. Andrew J. Fotopulos has been promoted to chairman and chief executive officer, a role he has held with distinction. … Read more

US officials are alerting businesses to prepare for possible cyberattacks from Iran following recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Experts believe that while the response from hackers might be limited, it is still a serious concern. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a bulletin stating that Iranian hackers often target American technology. Although … Read more