W. R. Berkley Launches Marine Division of Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers [Professional Services Close – Up]

W. R. Berkley Corp. announced the formation of a new marine division of its Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers operating unit.

According to a release, through its New York office, Berkley Offshore will underwrite a full spectrum of marine hull and liability coverages to brownwater vessel operators, ports, terminals and other marine entities based in the United States and Canada.

The company noted that Brian Murphy has been named vice president - marine manager of Berkley Offshore. Murphy has more than 17 years of experience in the marine insurance market and currently serves on the Hull Committee at the American Institute of Marine Underwriters.

Joining Murphy is Les Bogdan, who has been named vice president - marine liability. Bogdan has more than 24 years of insurance industry experience and currently serves on AIMU's Liability Committee. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Commenting on these appointments, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., president and chief operating officer of W. R. Berkley Corp., said, "We are extremely pleased to have Brian and Les join the Berkley Offshore team. They are both industry veterans who possess a wealth of expertise in marine insurance."

W. R. Berkley Corp. is an insurance holding company.

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