Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has appointed Walter Grote to the position of commercial insurance field executive.
In this national role, Mr. Grote will lead Fireman's Fund's commercial insurance operations, including middle market, small business, farm and ranch, property, and excess. Mr. Grote will be responsible for leveraging Fireman's Fund's claims service and commercial coverage offerings, while building deeper relationships with Fireman's Fund's agent and broker partners.
“Walter is a 25-year industry veteran and the rare type of insurance executive who has wide ranging leadership and business experience,” said Kathleen O. Zortman, chief field executive for Fireman's Fund. “He's uniquely qualified to deliver on our value proposition in Commercial by bringing his expertise and experience to our brokers and underwriters as they work together to develop insurance solutions that address their clients' unique needs and risk profiles.”
Mr. Grote joins Fireman's Fund from Travelers Insurance Company after most recently serving as vice president for its business insurance operations.
Over his career, he has held a variety of other positions within Travelers, including chief underwriting officer and chief operating officer for middle market commercial accounts. He also led the bond and financial products unit within Travelers' financial institutions business.
“I'm excited to be taking the helm of the commercial field division at Fireman's Fund,” said Mr. Grote. “Fireman's Fund is an iconic brand with a rich history in the commercial insurance industry. I look forward to working with Fireman's Fund's agents and brokers across the country to provide their clients with customized insurance solutions.”
Mr. Grote will be based in the company's Chicago office and will report to Ms. Zortman.
Mr. Grote earned a B.S. in finance and marketing from the University of Richmond. He has held a variety of positions with the Professional Liability Underwriters Society (“PLUS”) including as a member of its board of trustees (treasurer), 2008 – 2010, content committee co-chair for the Plus National Conference, 2009, and professional liability symposium co-chair from 2006 – 2009.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].