ICW Group, a provider of insurance services, has appointed Kevin Prior as president of its subsidiary, Independence Casualty and Surety.

Mr Prior will replace John Hannum, former executive vice president of surety and president of Independence Casualty and Surety (ICS), who retired in February 2008. Mr Prior whose career at ICW Group spans 18 years, will remain president and CEO of ICW Group and president of its subsidiary Explorer Insurance.

The company also promoted Doug Browne as senior vice president and managing director of its surety division, where he will oversee day-to-day activities. Previously senior vice president of surety, Mr Doug joined ICW Group in 1998 and brings more than 35 years of underwriting and management experience to the position.

Bernard Feldman, vice chairman of ICW Group, said: Kevin has been instrumental in differentiating ICW Group by placing an extremely high emphasis on underwriting discipline while delighting our customers. We welcome Kevin to his expanded executive role, which gives us a cohesive team at the top to lead further growth.