Re/insurance educator and research provider, The Institutes, has appointed W. Robert Berkley Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRBC), and John C. Roche, President and CEO of The Hanover Insurance Group, as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, to its Board of Trustees.
Peter L. Miller, President and CEO, The Institutes, commented, “We are thrilled that Rob and Jack will continue to serve on The Institutes Board as our new Chair and Vice Chair, respectively.
“Their extensive experience as leaders in the risk management and insurance sectors, coupled with their generosity in sharing their time and expertise with The Institutes, underscores their commitment to the broader risk management and insurance communities.
“I am grateful for their continued support and strategic guidance, which will undoubtedly strengthen The Institutes ability to educate, elevate, and connect people and issues in risk management and insurance.”
Berkley joined the firm in 1997, after serving as an investment banker for Merrill Lynch and Co. His tenure at the company includes roles as President and Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of strategy and acquisitions.
He commented, “It is a privilege to be named as the Chair of The Institutes Board of Trustees. I am honored to serve alongside such a talented and committed group of individuals.
“People are our most important asset in the insurance and risk management business, and The Institutes provides tremendous opportunities for education and development that fortifies our industry’s future.”
Roche has more than three decades of industry experience, having served with The Hanover since 2006 and was appointed president and CEO in 2017. He was also the President of Hanover Agency Markets, responsible for the firm’s personal and commercial lines of business, and in senior management roles at the St. Paul Travelers Cos.
Roche added, “I am honored to be appointed as vice chair of The Institutes’ Board of Trustees. This organization makes a significant impact on our industry, as risk management is the critical focal point of how we best serve our independent agents and policyholders.
“I look forward to collaborating with my esteemed board colleagues to drive innovation and excellence in risk mitigation, and to continue the important work of protecting what matters most to those we serve.”
Miller concluded, “I would also like to thank The Institutes outgoing Chair John M. Howard, CEO of TIH (formerly Truist Insurance Holdings), for donating his time to The Institutes in service of advancing risk management and insurance education.
“Under John’s strategic leadership, The Institutes have experienced exponential growth in our ability to educate, elevate and connect those interested in risk management and insurance, and I am grateful for his support.”
