Builders hires former Accredited execs Barner and Johnson
Expansive US insurer Builders has recruited Antonio Barner and Brent Johnson from Accredited Surety & Casualty Company (ASCC) as it looks to build out its platform and target specialty program opportunities, The Insurer can reveal.
The executives are former colleagues of Todd Campbell (pictured above center), who joined Atlanta, Georgia-based Builders as president and CEO earlier this year.
Barner (above right) has taken the role of COO and senior vice president of strategy. His remit is to lead the development and implementation of an enhanced operating platform at Builders, optimizing the carrier’s processes and workflows, as well as creating professional development pathways for associates.
He will work closely with Campbell and other company executives around corporate strategy, Builders said in a statement confirming the hires.
Barner was most recently chief business development officer and chief strategy for ASCC, which he joined in 2017 from Century Insurance Group.
Johnson (above left) assumes the position of vice president of reinsurance and specialty business, and will lead Builders’ new reinsurance and specialty business lines, with a focus on successfully launching specialty program opportunities and the management of ceded reinsurance.
He was most recently senior vice president, senior underwriter and business development for ASCC, and is a former chief program officer for Allstar Financial Group.
Commenting on the hires, Campbell said: “Tony Barner and Brent Johnson are star players in the insurance industry. We are proud to have them on the Builders’ team to help us capitalize on growth opportunities.”
Barner added: “It is rare to be provided an opportunity to join such a storied organization with a customer-centric focus and history of sound growth and profitability. I look forward to playing a part in furthering Builders’ legacy as an innovator and market leader.”
And Johnson said Builders’ proprietary platform puts the new specialty division in a strong position to strategically partner with sophisticated program administrators, carriers and reinsurers.
“True leadership at the executive level and experienced professionals coupled with a strong capital position, makes this a great formula for success,” he commented.
Platform build-out
As previously revealed by this publication, the insurer has recently rebranded to Builders as it looks to expand beyond its core construction industry offerings into new states and verticals that is expected to see it partner with MGAs on specialty business as well as add teams and pursue acquisitions.
As well as expanding partnerships, it will strengthen its core product offering and also consider fronting opportunities in certain situations when related to its core business.