Everest takes Cooper and Finnegan from Liberty

Everest Insurance has named Marcus Cooper as head of distribution for its North America business and Michael Finnegan as head of E&S casualty, with both executives making the move from Liberty Mutual.

Cooper (above left) is based in Chicago and reports directly to Everest Insurance president and CEO Mike Karmilowicz, while Finnegan (above right) is based in Stamford and reports directly to the carrier’s president of specialty casualty Connie Germano.

Finnegan will be responsible for leading E&S primary casualty, E&S excess casualty and environmental.

Everest National – the primary insurance platform of Bermudian Everest Re – also said it has promoted Charlie Higham to head of management and professional lines, based in New York City and reporting to Rob Clark, senior vice president and head of Everest Specialty Underwriters.

Cooper was most recently at Liberty Mutual, where he was division president for the Midwest region. He was in that role for less than a year, however, and joined Liberty Mutual after a 12-year stint at Zurich’s commercial insurance, middle market division, most recently as head of middle markets.

Commenting on the Cooper hire, Karmilowicz said: “Marcus’ diverse industry experience including business development, underwriting and risk management, will be integral to the continued growth of our North American insurance operation.”

Finnegan was most recently president of specialty casualty at Liberty Mutual’s Ironshore business.

Germano commented: “His varied background in both (re)insurance and visibility in the wholesale broker community will be a valued addition to Everest Insurance and our expansion efforts within the wholesale distribution space.”

Higham has been with Everest for five years and moves from his previous role as vice president and head of financial institutions at the insurer.