Agency Management

With Richmond, Va., continually growing as an excess and surplus lines insurance hub, the newest E&S carrier to set up shop there will distinguish itself with a "contrarian underwriting strategy," the company's chief executive says.

Seeking to redefine the relationship between the wholesale and retail producer, Dallas-based electronic insurance exchange MarketScout announced that Glenn Hargrove has joined MarketScout to launch MSW, or MarketScout Wholesale.

Itasca, Ill.-based insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. said it plans to acquire the insurance brokerage business of FirstCity Partnership Ltd. of London. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Argo Group US, a subsidiary of Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., appointed former ACE Westchester executive Louis Levinson to head up the Argo Group's E&S segment.

A software expert told insurance agents and brokers attending an automation conference to position themselves for an economic upturn by investing now in technology.

Like it or not, President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have managed to pass a comprehensive health insurance reform bill. The big question is what happens now?