Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford Limited (CGSC) Announces New Management Appointments: Shaun Hooper Becomes President and CEO, Mike Brennan Named CEO of Wholesale, and Michael Ruhe to be President of Sales

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford Limited (“CGSC”) has announced the appointment of Shaun Hooper as President and CEO of its wholesale, reinsurance broking and underwriting operations in North America.

Hooper joined CGSC in July 2009 as Head of Group Operations and was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Cooper Gay, CGSC's Lloyd's and London market broker, in early 2011. In April 2012, he assumed a wider role within CGSC and led the commercial development of its global operations. Hooper replaces Neal Abernathy who has left to pursue other opportunities.

In his new role, Hooper will have overall responsibility for CGSC's prominent U.S. brands, Swett & Crawford and Cooper Gay Re, as well as its underwriting businesses, including J H Blades & Co, Creechurch International Underwriters, Energy Technical Underwriters, Loxley and Managed Care.

CGSC’s U.S. wholesale broker Swett & Crawford has implemented further management changes to support its growth strategy. Mike Brennan, previously a Corporate Sales Director/Division Leader, has been promoted to a new role of CEO of Wholesale and will take responsibility for all aspects of the wholesale business in the U.S.

Michael Ruhe, also previously a Corporate Sales Director/Division Leader, has been appointed President of Sales, with responsibility for developing and growing the revenues and wider sales capabilities of CGSC’s U.S. businesses. Both will report to Hooper.

Toby Esser, CGSC Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Neal Abernathy for his professionalism and dedication when building Swett & Crawford into the leading wholesale business it is today. Under Shaun’s leadership and with the guidance of his strong management team, we intend to build on these solid foundations and drive forward our growth plans for CGSC’s U.S. wholesale, reinsurance broking and MGA operations.”

About CGSC

CGSC is one of the largest global wholesale insurance and reinsurance brokers placing over $4 billion in premiums for clients in the London, U.S., and international insurance markets. Headquartered in London and employing more than 1,400 staff across 60 offices worldwide, CGSC specializes in hard-to-place insurance policies. In 2011, CGSC reported revenues of $344 million and EBITDA of $69 million.

About Swett & Crawford

Swett & Crawford has 99 years of experience in helping to mitigate the risks of doing business here and around the globe. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Swett & Crawford serves independent agents and brokers through specialized Property, Casualty, Oil & Gas/Energy, Professional Services, Transportation, Reinsurance, Marine and Underwriting Practice Groups as well as the newly added Accident and Health division. These groups/divisions provide access to commercial insurance products and programs, including property and casualty coverages, products liability, reinsurance, professional liability, commercial and public auto liability as well as a host of customized binding authorities and exclusive programs tailored to specific industries, businesses and professionals.

Additional information may be found at www.swett.com.