People News: The Hartford, Nautilus, Swift Transportation, Ryze

The Hartford has appointed Bruce Shuman as chief digital and customer experience officer, a new position that reinforces the company’s commitment to understanding and developing capabilities that meet the expectations of customers and distribution partners. In this role, Shuman will lead efforts to design, build and manage digital experiences, based on a customer-driven research agenda. Shuman will report to Kathy Bromage, The Hartford’s chief marketing and communications officer.

Shuman returns to The Hartford where he was responsible for leading digital teams in personal lines and enterprise marketing. Most recently, Shuman was with Travelers, where he held leadership positions in enterprise e-business and operations, including small business customer and agent service through traditional and digital channels. Previously, Shuman managed consumer-facing e-Commerce and mobile activities for GE Capital’s consumer finance business.

Nautilus Insurance Group, a Berkley Company, appointed Trish Buckhardt senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives. The appointment is effective April 4, 2017, and coincides with the inception of Nautilus’ Strategic Initiatives Group.

Buckhardt has more than 33 years of experience in the Excess & Surplus Lines insurance industry, with significant expertise in leading project management and strategic business initiatives. After joining Nautilus in 2016, she served as vice president of Business Strategic Projects, while leading the design and implementation of a claims management system. Prior to Nautilus, Buckhardt worked as a claims leader at a Fortune 100 insurance carrier.

Swift Transportation Company, a provider of transportation solutions, announced the appointment of Heather Maher as vice president of Claims and Risk Management. With nearly 20 years of experience, Maher brings to the role advanced procedural knowledge and legal expertise, focusing on claims and litigation management, legal risk identification and control, insurance procurement and strategic planning and execution.

Previously, Maher served as the vice president of Global Risk Management and Claims for Ralph Lauren Corporation, providing strategic direction to senior executives and key distribution hubs around the globe, as well as identifying risk mitigation and procuring appropriate insurance coverage for the organization. In addition, Maher held several roles with Borden Dairy Company, most notably, vice president of Risk Management and Litigation Counsel.

In her role with Swift, Maher will focus on establishing high-performing processes, negotiating with insurance programs to implement cost savings and enforcing Swift’s commitment to customer service. She will also lead the rollout of Swift’s PC365, a 24/7/365 triage program that manages non-emergency, work-related injuries. Through this program, PC365 will have registered nurses available telephonically to provide Swift employees – including drivers, maintenance technicians and office personnel – with guidance on medical care for work-related incidents.

Maher earned her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. Currently she serves as a member of various professional affiliations and continues ongoing education on litigation and risk management.

RYZE Claim Solutions named Bernie Tobin executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. Based out of the company’s Tampa, Fla., office, Tobin will develop the sales and marketing strategy for the organization.

Tobin has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, including claims handling and management, as well as many years building successful business development teams.

Ryze has additional offices in Dallas, Texas, and in Indianapolis, Indiana.