New Southeast Region CEO: USI Has ‘Sweet Spot’ Between Local Agencies and Mega-Brokers

USI Holdings is targeting the space between local agencies and mega-brokers, said James W. Dunn, the insurance broker's newly named Southeast region chief executive officer.

"USI has found a sweet spot and has empowered leaders like me to aggressively build an extraordinary brand," he said in an e-mail. "Although we are really just gaining momentum, this approach has already attracted exceptional clients that recognize the value of our platform."

Dunn studied USI's client offerings along with their financial platform, he said. "Because of their financial success during difficult economic times, along with their partnership with Goldman Sachs, USI is investing in resources and service offerings that are 'right-sized' and cost effective," he said. "USI has elected to invest in people and products that are local and client-facing as opposed to building a top-heavy national firm."

Dunn recently was a regional executive for Willis in the Southeast. As Willis' first employee and leader in Florida since 1989, he led Willis with organic growth from start-up status to leading positions in cities throughout the state, according to USI.

Dunn brings significant construction and surety experience to USI, the broker said.

"Jim brings more than 20 years experience to his role as Southeast regional CEO and will be key in USI's continued push to be the clear leading middle market broker nationally," said Michael Sicard, chairman, CEO and president of USI Holdings in a statement.

USI's Southeast region currently comprises four offices in Florida and Tennessee. With more than 170 employees, the Southeast regional offices provide employee benefits and property/casualty insurance expertise to businesses of all sizes across all industries, with specific focus on midsize enterprises.

Founded in 1994, USI Holdings Corp. focuses on employee benefits solutions, financial products and property/casualty insurance throughout the United States. The company has more than 3,000 employees in 77 offices in 24 states.

The company was ranked as the 12th-largest insurance broker by 2009 total revenue by Best's Review (Best's Review, July 2010).

(By Rick Cornejo, managing editor, BestWeek: [email protected])