Chartwell Expands with New Arizona Office.

Newly Appointed Senior Vice President Focused on Growth and Service to the Southwest, Midwest, and Gulf States

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Chartwell Independent Insurance Brokers LLC, a leading wholesale and specialty insurance broker focusing on high-risk, hard-to-place coverage, today announced it has opened a new office in Scottsdale, Arizona, which will help meet the growing need among property owners, managers, and real estate developers for surplus lines insurance coverage, particularly for property catastrophe insurance. The new office will target the Southwest, Midwest, and Gulf States and will be headed by Merle Harris, Chartwell's newly appointed senior vice president.

"Demand for our industry-leading expertise has driven our expansion," said Bill Hildebrand, executive vice president and director of programs and proprietary products at Chartwell Independent Insurance Brokers. "We are extremely excited about the potential for Arizona to serve as a hub for fostering business relationships with retail agents and brokers in the Southwest, Midwest, and Gulf States. By establishing a satellite office, we'll be better able to serve the needs of our retail clients and their insureds, helping them to obtain the best, most competitive coverage, terms, and conditions."

Hildebrand also commented on Chartwell's new appointment by saying, "Merle is an industry veteran whose knowledge and experience are well known throughout the specialty insurance market. He has proven track record of success in cultivating relationships with independent retail brokers by delivering quality services and market access."

Harris has over 20 years of retail and MGA brokerage experience, as well as extensive knowledge of the specialty market, which will be valuable to Chartwell as it continues to expand its services and capabilities across various geographic regions. Prior to coming to Chartwell, Harris served as market development manager for MiniCo, Inc., where he was responsible for premium production, agency appointments, and relationship management. Harris also worked for High Desert Risk Managers, USF&G Insurance, and several other national operations.

"I'm excited to join Chartwell," said Merle Harris, senior vice president at Chartwell. "The company is considered one of the leading wholesale and specialty brokerage firms in the industry, especially in catastrophe coverage. They have extensive market relationships and have established new and innovative ways of structuring coverage options. What also makes Chartwell unique is that it operates from a tradition of top-notch service and the old fashioned principle of building strong business relationships with its customers and markets. This has been the key to the company's success and a culture I look forward to joining."

In regards to property coverage, Ben Beazley, CEO of Chartwell, explained that markets are still highly exposed to catastrophe risk. "Clients cannot be lulled into complacency by the recent uneventful hurricane seasons. The threat of natural disaster persists, and in many cases, it's a matter of when, not if an event will occur. Although the property catastrophe market has softened, we are uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to protect insureds from foreseen, as well as unforeseen losses. Chartwell continually evolves, bringing its expert services to new clients in new parts of the country yet to be charted by our firm. We believe Merle has the relationships to assist us in our expansion to these territories."

About Chartwell Independent Insurance Brokers

Chartwell Independent Insurance Brokers LLC--a leading wholesale and specialty insurance broker, has strong relationships with dozens of carriers that write a variety of high-risk, hard-to-place coverage. Chartwell works with independent insurance agents and brokers to assist in the placement of specialty coverage for commercial accounts. The company has an in-depth understanding of the risks it places and extensive market relationships to ensure best terms, comprehensive protection, and exceptional service for its clients. For more information, visit www.chartwell.us.