Philomena Comerford, President & CEO of Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP and Hargraft Schofield LP announces appointments

TORONTO, March 31 /CNW/ - Philomena Comerford, President & CEO of Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP who assumed management responsibility of affiliate brokerage, Hargraft Schofield LP on October 1, 2009 is pleased to announce appointments within the brokerages that commenced operating under an integrated shared cost service platform effective January 1, 2010.

The following Baird MacGregor appointments are effective immediately:

     <<     Jesse Henkenhaf, Vice President Marketing     Suzanne Hare, Vice President Programs     Kelly Macdonald, Vice President Financial & Commercial Client Service     Crystal Thompson, Senior Account Executive     Kurt Magney, Vice President Information Technology     Joanne Oakley, Vice President Information Systems     >> 

The following Hargraft appointments are effective immediately:

     <<     Janie Osman, Vice President Marketing & Commercial Lines     Frank Huncar, Vice President Commercial Client Service     Cynthia Nagamatsu, Vice President Commercial Client Service     Victoria Hayes, Vice President Executive Services     Tim Robinson, Vice President Claims     Adriana Bergman, Senior Account Director     >> 

Philomena Comerford commented, "The strengthening of our integrated management team through the appointments of these skilled and dedicated team players will position us for continuity and future growth. These deserving individuals have a proven track record and a high level of commitment to the clientele we serve and collaborate with, while fully leveraging their collective strengths. Our team has nurtured excellent relationships with our insurance company partners. Our robust market roster enables us to intelligently pair our clients with the right markets and the right products. All at the right price. I am that confident with the leadership in place our team will deliver unparalleled service to our customers."

Newport Partners Income Fund's President & CEO, Dean Macdonald stated, "Both Hargraft and Baird MacGregor are recognized specialty insurance providers staffed by seasoned well respected brokers. Philomena, our operating partner, has lead the integration, transitioning the operations into a more cost effective shared services platform while positioning the brokerages for growth with a carefully chosen leadership team in place."

Newport Partners Income Fund is an unincorporated, open-ended trust created to hold, through its investment in Newport Partners Commercial Trust, interests in Newport Private Yield LP, a limited partnership, established under the laws of the Province of Ontario. NPF began trading on the TSX on August 8, 2005 under the symbol NPF.UN.

Established in 1979, Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP is a leading full service Canadian owned insurance brokerage serving a variety of corporate and personal clientele. Baird MacGregor is an experienced niche commercial insurance provider and a recognized specialist to the transportation industry. Newport holds a 77.5 % interest in Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers LP.

Hargraft Schofield LP, established in 1874, is also a specialty insurance brokerage and a recognized provider of insurance services to the industrial, commercial and transportation business sectors and high net worth individuals. Newport owns 100% of Hargraft Schofield LP.