W. R. Berkley Corporation Creates Berkley Design Professional Underwriters

Professional LiablityW.R. Berkley Corporation announced the creation of Berkley Design Professional Underwriters to focus on liability coverage for architects and engineers, nationwide. Products will be distributed through independent agents and underwritten on an admitted basis on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member insurance companies, which are all rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, Inc.

Published on April 25, 2013

Stephen L. Porcelli has been named president of Berkley Design Professional Underwriters. Mr. Porcelli has approximately 25 years of experience in the professional and specialty segments of the property casualty insurance industry. He most recently served as senior vice president of the professional liability profit center for another major insurance group, having previously held senior positions with other major insurers.

Lawrence Moonan has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer of the new operating unit. Mr. Moonan has more than 20 years of experience in the professional liability market.

Catherine Santiago has been named Berkley Design Professional's vice president and lead underwriter. Ms. Santiago has 35 years of experience in the property casualty insurance industry with a long-term focus on design professionals.

In making the announcement, William R. Berkley, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said: "We are excited to bring together experienced underwriters, claim experts and loss control professionals with a singular commitment to the design industry. Together they will deliver fresh ideas and new products and services that will truly address the unique needs of architects and engineers and the agents that represent them."

For further information about the products and services available from Berkley Design Professional, please contact Stephen Porcelli at sporcelli@wrberkley.com.

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates in five segments of the property casualty insurance business: specialty insurance, regional property casualty insurance, alternative markets, reinsurance and international.