United Risk Global and Applied Underwriters are making big changes in their leadership as they continue to grow internationally. This announcement comes on June 13, 2025, highlighting the company’s ambitious plans since its founding.
Richard Christofer has been promoted to president and chief commercial officer. He will lead the recruitment of new underwriting programs and manage operations from the company’s headquarters in Rockefeller Center, New York. Christofer has a strong background, having worked at AIG, Guy Carpenter, and Gen Re. He has been with United Risk since it started, playing a key role in building its underwriting programs and attracting top talent.
Jamie Sahara, the president of Applied Underwriters, praised Christofer for his contributions, noting that he has been essential in creating a solid lineup of underwriting programs for the company.
In addition to Christofer’s promotion, Hayden Smith has been named regional CEO. Based in London, he will oversee business in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and British Commonwealth, while also focusing on expansion into new markets. Smith joined United Risk as a managing partner in January 2023 and has experience in both professional sports and insurance.
United Risk is also expanding its team, hiring 29 new professionals in underwriting and claims. Noteworthy hires include Vincent Regina and Lauren Markowski, who will lead cyber coverage, and Ken Hashberger, who will manage film and television coverage.
The company is now among the top five managing general agents (MGAs) globally, operating 37 underwriting programs from over 50 offices worldwide. Its European operations are centered on the Applied Financial Lines division, led by Jeroen Claesen in Cologne and Paris.
Christofer expressed optimism about the MGA business, emphasizing their growth strategy through acquisitions and the recruitment of skilled professionals. United Risk’s expansion efforts are supported by American Atlantic Assurance Company, which has the authority to write property and casualty policies throughout the EU.
United Risk offers various specialty lines, including crisis management, excess casualty, logistics and transport, and entertainment coverage. The company’s ambitious growth plans signal a strong future in the insurance market, and many are watching to see how these leadership changes will influence their trajectory.