Endurance Specialty Holdings, a Bermuda-based specialty provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, has launched a new US Contract Binding Authority Unit to operate within Endurance American Specialty Insurance, Endurance's US surplus lines insurer.

The launch marks an entry into a significant distribution channel for Endurance with initial access to nearly one hundred fifty surplus line agent offices.

Glenn Yanoff, senior vice president, will lead the Endurance’s new Contract Binding Authority Unit and will report to William Jewett president of Endurance Specialty Holdings.

Yanoff has 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, most recently managing a portfolio of general liability and property insurance written through a nationwide network of surplus line agents.

In his new role, Yanoff will be responsible for underwriting, marketing and compliance, supported by Ronald Yanoff and Thomas Mannion, both vice presidents, and additional underwriting and operations staff.

Jewett said this initiative marks another significant step forward in realizing Endurance’s strategy of further diversifying the portfolio of products and the distribution channels through which company access clients.

“We are confident that with the commitment and expertise of Glenn and his team, Endurance will deliver increased and more efficient capabilities that will benefit both the widespread wholesale broker network and clients that they service,” Jewett said.

Endurance US Insurance Wholesale Operations president and head John Zachry said the addition of this new unit will strengthen the insurance operations and enable Endurance to offer a more comprehensive range of coverages to the market.