People News: J.D. Power, ICORP, Berkley Equine & Cattle

J.D. Power Hires Schmitt as Managing Director of Global Insurance Practice

Kyle Schmitt, an expert in insurance and corporate strategy, has been hired as managing director of the Global Insurance Practice at J.D. Power, the global leader in industry intelligence & customer experience.

In this role, Schmitt will report directly to Keith Webster, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Financial and Service Industry Division. Schmitt will lead the growth strategy for the Global Insurance Practice by leading a team of talented practice leaders and working closely with the sales, marketing, analytics and research groups. As the insurance industry continues to face challenges from emerging technologies and in delivering outstanding service to their customers, Schmitt and his team at J.D. Power are well equipped to provide insights and advice that will drive performance improvements for our clients and for the industry at large.

Schmitt, who most recently worked as a Director leading Business Strategy within key operating units at State Farm Insurance Companies, has spent his career focusing on growth, market strategy and corporate finance solutions. While at State Farm, he led several growth and performance improvement initiatives within the life insurance and P&C claims business units. Prior to State Farm, Schmitt was Vice President of Investment Banking in the insurance M&A division at Barclays in London where he advised global executives and boards on market strategy, deal structuring, risk management and valuation optimization.

ICORP Investigations Names Bobby Gracey Chief Operations Officer

ICORP Investigations, Inc. appointed Bobby Gracey chief operations officer. Gracey joined the ICORP team on October 16, 2018.

In his new position, Gracey will be responsible for establishing and maintaining effective contacts and relationships to promote ICORP Investigations. Gracey will also develop strategic partnerships to maximize ICORP Investigations position as a leader in the insurance fraud industry.

Gracey brings over 25 years of fraud expertise within the insurance and loss adjusting sector and speaks publicly on a regular basis to the media and also at a Global Industry Level. Bobby is the current Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters – Anti Fraud Committee. He’s held previous positions as executive vice president of GlobalOptions, chief executive of IFIC Forensics and International, strategic director at ICS MERRILL, global head of Fraud at Atlanta based, Crawford & Company. Presently, he is a non-exec chairman of the Board at I-Cog Services, UK.

Bradley to Lead New Berkley Equine & Cattle Animal Mortality Claims Office in Kentucky

Berkley Equine & Cattle (BEC) has opened its Animal Mortality Claims Adjusting Office in Lexington, Ky., and appointed Philip O. Bradley as manager.

Bradley has more than 25 years of experience adjusting equine, cattle and other livestock claims.

BEC, a division of Berkley Program Specialists (a Berkley Company), has been providing insurance for equine and cattle mortality risks since 2004. Animal mortality claims were previously adjusted for BEC by Frank B. Aubrey, II Equine Adjusting, LLC (AEA).

For the remainder of 2018, BEC’s Animal Mortality claims will continue to be adjusted by AEA. As of Jan. 1, 2019, all animal mortality claims will be adjusted by the BEC Lexington, KY office; all open claims will be transferred over at that time.

Aubrey will continue to be involved with BEC’s equine and cattle mortality business on a consulting basis. BEC will be working closely with Aubrey and his staff at AEA on the transition. Key staff members from AEA will be joining the BEC Animal Mortality Claims Adjusting Office as part of this transition.

Berkley Equine & Cattle is a division of Berkley Program Specialists (a Berkley Company), that offers a variety of specialized equine and cattle insurance products including equine mortality, cattle mortality, equine farm package policies, equine liability, guided trail rides and carriage/pony rides.