Insurance news briefing: leadership moves, AI tools, and data standards
This week brought meaningful shifts across insurance: a long-serving foundation CEO steps down, new AI tools hit distribution, and several firms sharpen their leadership benches. Here's what matters and how it could affect your 2026 planning.
IICF CEO transition and strategic search
Bill Ross is stepping down after 21 years as CEO of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF). Under his leadership, IICF awarded more than $53 million in grants across the U.S. and U.K., and recently added a Canada division.
Wendy Houser, Chair of the IICF Board of Governors and President, US Wholesale and Specialty at Markel, will oversee operations while the board forms an executive search committee and engages a search firm to evaluate internal and external candidates.
- Why it matters: Expect continuity on philanthropic commitments while the board defines the next phase of IICF's mission and leadership profile. Carrier and broker partners should align on multi-year commitments during the transition.
Simply Business launches AI advisor for small businesses
Simply Business rolled out an AI advisor built on a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model to help small business owners make coverage decisions. Dana Edwards, Group CTO, said, "Importantly, the tool marries advanced technology with the human touch by providing access to our highly skilled agents. We are not just implementing AI; we are pioneering responsible, effective, and scalable solutions that empower entrepreneurs to make confident decisions quickly."
- Why it matters: Distribution teams should test how RAG-driven guidance affects lead quality, quote speed, and agent handoffs. If you need a primer on RAG, see this overview from IBM here.
- Upskill angle: Building literacy across underwriting and broker teams helps you evaluate vendor claims and prompt quality. Curated options by role are available here.
Cowbell adds mid-market and claims leadership
Cowbell named Jessica Klipphahn head of North America mid-market and Stephanie Hewerdine director of claims. Klipphahn, formerly North America middle market cyber leader at WTW, will drive mid-market expansion. Hewerdine, most recently claims counsel at Coalition, will support U.S. claims operations.
- Why it matters: Look for expanded cyber capacity and distribution reach in the mid-market, plus tighter feedback loops between claims insights and underwriting appetite.
ACORD Solutions Group appoints Dave Matcham Global Ambassador
ACORD Solutions Group tapped Dave Matcham as Global Ambassador for digital markets to promote standardized data exchange and connectivity across major hubs. Chris Newman, CEO, said, "Dave Matcham is an enormously well-respected leader, whose contributions to the industry as head of the IUA are recognised worldwide... We welcome the opportunity to partner with Dave in spreading awareness of the critical role that digital data exchange will play in our industry's future, as well as the groundbreaking digital capabilities that ACORD Solutions Group have already put in place for clients in markets around the world."
- Why it matters: Standards are the shortest path to lower admin costs and faster straight-through processing. Keep tabs on ACORD's implementation roadmap here.
Driver Technologies debuts telematics quote generator
Driver Technologies launched Driver Insurance, an embedded service that uses telematics to provide auto quotes. CEO Rashid Galadanci said, "The launch of Driver Insurance is the ultimate fusion of connected car technology and embedded finance. By leveraging the precision of our Driver Score and Android Automotive integration, we move beyond traditional demographics to offer truly personalized, risk-accurate insurance." He added, "Our approach not only provides drivers with instant access to the best discounted UBI rates from our network but fundamentally lowers the cost and friction of customer acquisition across the industry." The service lets drivers choose what driving data they share.
- Why it matters: Expect more accurate pricing for UBI and lower CAC for partners that integrate. Carriers should assess data rights, consent flows, and how scores map to rating models.
NFP promotes Andrew Keefe to lead Northeast broking
NFP named Andrew Keefe senior vice president and Northeast broking leader, based in Albany, N.Y. Keefe joined NFP in 2021 and previously held roles at Travelers and Liberty Mutual. Lauren Kim said, "Andrew brings strategic vision, operational discipline, and deep market insight... His leadership will strengthen carrier relationships, broking excellence, and foster a culture of innovation that empowers clients and positions the organization for long-term success."
- Why it matters: Carriers should expect tighter execution on placement strategy and more coordinated renewal planning across the region.
Connecticut regulator elevates Tricia Davé for life and health
The Connecticut Insurance Department promoted Tricia Davé to assistant deputy commissioner and division director for life and health. Davé has served as insurance actuary supervisor since 2014 and brings 25 years of industry experience, including life and health roles at Travelers.
- Why it matters: Life and health filers should monitor potential shifts in review timelines and guidance. Strong actuarial documentation will pay off.
Clyde & Co. adds Ronald Ohren and Jon Ebner
Clyde & Co. hired partners Ronald Ohren and Jon Ebner from Baker McKenzie. Ohren brings 35+ years focused on insurance disputes and previously chaired the insurance practice within Baker McKenzie's North America Litigation and Government Enforcement group. Ebner handled trials and arbitration for German-speaking clients and advises on commercial insurance issues. Both are based in Chicago. Eileen King Bower said, "These hires reflect our ongoing commitment to strengthening our insurance capabilities in the US. Ronald and Jon bring a wealth of global legal experience and a proven record of success that will directly benefit our clients."
- Why it matters: Expect deeper bench strength on complex coverage disputes, arbitrations, and large-loss advisory.
What to watch next
- IICF CEO search timeline and priorities for the next phase of growth.
- AI adoption in SMB distribution: conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and compliance controls.
- Telematics data-sharing patterns and UBI partnership models heading into 2026.
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