Farmington Hills, Mich. (October 31, 2024) – H.W. Kaufman Group, the privately held, industry leading global insurance organization, today announced that 11 members of its North American team were promoted to new roles. The announcement follows the 2024 Kaufman Leadership Meeting in Detroit, Michigan, which includes global leaders from Kaufman companies worldwide.

“These professionals share a passion for our business and a commitment to serving our clients and partners with the highest standards that will always be associated with our company,” said Danny Kaufman, Co-President, H.W. Kaufman Group and President, Burns & Wilcox. “We appreciate all they do for our organization and look forward to the important role each associate will continue to play in our future success.”

The promotions announced included:

• Rich Gobler, promoted to Executive Vice President, Burns & Wilcox; from Senior Vice President.
• Manny Manuelidis, promoted to Chief Claims Officer, Atain; from Corp. Sr. Vice President.
• Taylor Smith, promoted to Corp. Sr. Vice President, H.W. Kaufman Group; from Corp. Vice President.
• Shelby Zgnilec, promoted to Corp. Vice President, H.W. Kaufman Group & Chief of Staff, Burns & Wilcox; from Corp. Associate Vice President.
• Carolyn Reiter, promoted to Vice President, RB Jones & Director, Property; from Associate Vice President.
• Tom O’Donnell, promoted to Associate Vice President & Managing Director, Burns & Wilcox; from Managing Director (Minneapolis and Milwaukee).
• Jeannie Reilly, promoted to Sr. Director, Carrier Relations, H.W. Kaufman Group; from Director, Carrier Relations.
• Carrie Till, promoted to Managing Director (Pittsburgh), Burns & Wilcox; from Associate Managing Director.
• Patricia Sheridan, promoted to Associate Managing Director (Ontario), Burns & Wilcox; from Director, Commercial Insurance.
• Matt Baxter, promoted to Director, Professional Liability, Burns & Wilcox (Atlanta); from Broker, Professional Liability.

“As a privately held, family owned and operated company, we are fully committed to investing in our associates and championing their professional development,” said Jodie Kaufman Davis, Co-President, H.W. Kaufman Group. “Our people will always be Kaufman’s greatest asset. Today’s promotions of these outstanding Kaufman associates reflect our strong belief that there is no ceiling for our professionals and the success they are capable of achieving.”

In 2024, Kaufman has promoted more than 100 associates and hired more than 300 as the company continues expanding worldwide.

About H.W. Kaufman Group:

H.W. Kaufman Group is a global specialty insurance organization that employs more than 2,000 professionals across the United States, Canada, U.K., Europe, South America and the Middle East.  Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Kaufman includes Burns & Wilcox, Atain Insurance Companies, RB Jones and H.W. Kaufman Group International. More information can be found at www.hwkaufman.com.

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