Navigators Expands Professional Liability with New Architects & Engineers Team

The Navigators Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:NAVG) announced that its principal underwriting agency subsidiary, Navigators Management Company, Inc., has expanded its Professional Liability division by hiring a dedicated team of industry experts in the Architects & Engineers Professional Liability arena. Distribution will now be focused on direct relationships with appointed Architects & Engineers agents. As of today, new business submissions with effective dates on or after April 1, 2010, can be submitted directly to Navigators.

"We are excited to launch our new Architects & Engineers program with expanded underwriting appetite and suite of products," commented Reina Gregorio, President of Professional Liability. "I'm pleased to welcome this dynamic new team to the Professional Liability division and I believe they will provide innovative solutions that will meet the evolving needs of our customers."

Bill Farran has been hired to lead this new initiative for Navigators. Mr. Farran has over 22 years experience working in the Architects & Engineers marketplace. Prior to working for Navigators, he worked at Travelers where he held the position of Practice Leader for the Design Professionals and Real Estate Professionals divisions within Travelers Bonds and Financial Products. Joining him are underwriting directors David Blue, previously of Victor O. Schinnerer, Inc., and Allison Esrig, previously of Travelers.

The Navigators Group, Inc. is an international specialty insurance holding company with insurance company operations, underwriting management companies, and operations at Lloyd's of London. Headquartered in New York City, Navigators has offices in major insurance centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Navigators Insurance Company and Navigators Specialty Insurance Company are both rated 'A' (Excellent) by A.M. Best and 'A' (Strong) by Standard & Poor's.