By Josh Recamara
Several major insurance organizations have announced senior leadership hires.
Willis expands Upstate New York team
Willis has appointed Steve Blumhagen as a producer in the Upstate New York market. Based in Buffalo, he will report to David Lofstrom, Northeast deputy leader – New England, and collaborate with Vin Looney and the regional team to drive growth and deepen client relationships.
Blumhagen (pictured above, left) brings more than a decade of property and casualty experience. Most recently, he served as property and casualty practice leader at USI, where he oversaw a large team and helped make the office the largest in the region. Earlier in his career, he worked at Louisiana-based Eustis Insurance Agency, where he focused on transportation and expanded into manufacturing, construction, real estate, and nonprofits.
Lofstrom said Blumhagen’s leadership, client-first approach, and proven ability to build high-performing teams would strengthen Willis’ presence across Upstate New York.
Grange names new commercial lines president
Grange Insurance Company has appointed Steve Marohn as commercial lines president, giving him responsibility for guiding the growth and development of its commercial portfolio.
Marohn (pictured above, right) has more than 35 years of commercial lines experience, most recently serving as president of specialty property and casualty at Hanover Insurance, where he oversaw a $580 million portfolio. He previously held senior positions at CNA, including senior vice president of small business managing a $600 million national portfolio. His nearly two decades at AIG included four years in Tokyo, where he led commercial portfolios for Japan and South Korea.
Grange chief property & casualty officer Ryan Michel described Marohn as an established and highly skilled leader who will play a critical role in the company’s commercial lines growth strategy.
Beyond his corporate career, Marohn has supported nonprofit organizations through the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) and other initiatives.
Bridge Specialty Group bolsters leadership amid structural changes
Bridge Specialty Group has unveiled a series of senior appointments as it sharpens its organisational structure following the integration of wholesale businesses from its merger with One80 Intermediaries.
Joe Failla has been promoted to chief operating officer, overseeing operations and integration efforts while continuing to lead personal lines and product development. Steve Emmons steps in as chief information officer, succeeding Tony Cacchione, who moves to an expanded role at Arrowhead Intermediaries.
On the digital front, Ted Stuckey becomes president of LocalEdge and head of digital strategy, broadening his remit beyond the business acquired in March 2025. Jon Longsdorf has been appointed vice president of digital products, tasked with enhancing customer experience through technology.
Elsewhere, Martin Burlingame joins as division president for One80 Binding, bringing extensive E&S expertise, while Kathy Sofarelli takes on the role of national personal lines director after leading national risk solutions for 18 years.
Insurance moves: Willis, Grange and Bridge Specialty – Insurance Business America
