BERKLEY FORMS NEW SPECIALTY UNDERWRITER

Connecticut-based p/c insurer and reinsurer WR Berkley has formed Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers to offer specialty insurance products on behalf of various Berkley operating units. The group has named Steven Zeitman as president of the Atlanta-based unit. To kick-start operations, Berkley Specialty has acquired the renewal rights to certain excess and surplus lines casualty business from St Paul Travelers’ Gulf Insurance unit, Mr Zeitman’s previous employer. That business represents around $110m in annual premiums. The deal on renewals take effect today.