Phillips to lead marine unit

Bermuda-based Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. announced that Sophia Phillips has joined the company.

Ms Phillips will serve as vice President to establish and lead a new Inland Marine insurance unit.

With over her 30 year career in commercial insurance, Ms. Phillips has launched and managed inland marine insurancebusiness units for several national carriers.

The new business unit will work with producers across the US initially from Endurance’s Chicago office with additional underwriting centers planned for other major cities.

Jack Kuhn, CEO of Global Insurance, said in a press release: “Sophia is a recognized leader in this niche market and I am pleased to have her join Endurance. As we add this specialty line to our insurance offerings, Sophia’s strong network of distribution partners and depth of underwriting experience will no doubt prove to be significant assets to both our clients and Endurance.”

Ms. Phillips has built and led several inland marine insurance units, most recently as president, Commercial Lines Marine at The Hanover Insurance Group, which she joined in 2004.

Prior to that, she was responsible for managing Kemper Insurance Company’s marine operation and, when Kemper transferred the renewal rights for their marine book.

One to watch

Ms. Phillips joined St. Paul Insurance Companies as vice president to lead their combined Commercial Inland Marine unit. Earlier in her career, she held various underwriting and leadership roles at Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Company and CIGNA Insurance Company.

Ms Phillips served as chairperson of the Inland Marine Underwriters Association (IMUA) from 2010 to 2012 and was honured by Business Insurance as one of the Top 25 Women to Watch in December 2010.