Allianz Group’s specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty®(AGCS) has expanded its North American cyber insurance team with the addition of three industry professionals: Laura Burke, Daniel J. DeLoof,and Lester Shearn. Emy R. Donavan was also promoted to regional head of cyber and U.S. deputy head of E&O, including technology, media and specialty professional indemnity (PI).
Allianz is expanding its cyber practice in response to growing concerns about internet security from businesses globally. A recent Cybersecurity report from the nonprofit technology association CompTIA reveals that nearly three out of four organizations have experienced at least one security breach or incident in the past year.
"As data breaches and internet security have quickly become a primary concern for North American businesses, Allianz continues to invest in its talent, products and technology to meet the evolving needs of our clients and address the alarming growth of cyber risk exposures," said Donavan.
Laura Burke has joined as executive underwriter of cyber, technology, media and specialty PI. Based in Chicago, she is responsible for the placement of enterprise cyber and professional liability risks.
Prior to joining Allianz, Burke was the cyber practice leader for Lockton Chicago. She holds the CIPP/US certification, earned her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Bachelor of Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Daniel J. DeLoof has been appointed senior underwriter for Allianz’s cyber business and will be based in New York. He joins Allianz from ACE Group, where he was a claims representative for Professional Risk – Cyber, Privacy Network and Liability Claims. He is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Risk Management and Insurance.
Joining the cyber team as an underwriting specialist is Lester Shearn, based in Atlanta. Shearn has more than 15 years of industry experience and was previously with AXIS Insurance as unit coordinator and held various financial lines positions with Zurich North America and AIG.
The new additions will report to Jenny Soubra, national practice leader, cyber, media and specialty PI, based in San Francisco, who reports to Donavan.
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) is the Allianz Group’s dedicated carrier for corporate and specialty insurance business.
AGCS provides insurance and risk consultancy across the whole spectrum of specialty, alternative risk transfer and corporate business: Marine, Aviation (incl. Space), Energy, Engineering, Entertainment, Financial Lines (incl. D&O), Liability, Mid-Corporate and Property insurance (incl. International Insurance Programs).