USI Insurance Services Appoints Former West Virginia Governor W. Gaston Caperton, III, to Newly Created Role to Capitalize on Growth Opportunities in the Mid South Region

Valhalla, NY (PRWEB) July 14, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today that former West Virginia Governor W. Gaston Caperton, III, has been engaged as a senior advisor to USI to advance USI's overall growth strategy for the Company's West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia offices. In this capacity, Mr. Caperton will work closely with USI chairman, president and CEO, Michael J. Sicard, to strengthen the region's client base in West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia, and cultivate new areas of investment. Mr. Caperton will be located in USI's Charleston, West Virginia location.

The former 32nd governor of West Virginia will also help to facilitate the integration of six locations in West Virginia, two in Kentucky and three in Virginia. These locations were part of USI's acquisition of 40 Wells Fargo Insurance brokerage and consulting locations across the United States that closed on May 3, 2014.

Mr. Caperton brings decades of insurance experience to USI, having led the McDonough Caperton Insurance Group to becoming the 10th largest privately owned insurance brokerage firm in the United States before winning the governor's office in 1988 and 1992. After leaving office, he taught at Harvard University'sJohn F. Kennedy's School of Government and Columbia University. In 1999, he became president of the College Board, a position he held until 2012. Prior to joining USI, Mr. Caperton headed up Caperton Consulting, LLC for the past two years.

Michael J. Sicard, USI's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "This appointment underscores USI's commitment to becoming the number one middle market insurance broker in the Mid South, and I am delighted to have someone of Gaston's caliber associated with our firm. Gaston brings tremendous experience, achievement, reputation and passion. I look forward to working together to grow and invest in West Virginia and the Mid South."

W. Gaston Caperton, III, said: "Throughout my career, I have been passionate about making West Virginia the best that it can be. And, under Mike's leadership, USI has demonstrated a level of commitment to grow its business here that is unmatched by other insurance brokerage firms. This is a great opportunity for me to not only help ensure a smooth transition occurs for our local offices in West Virginia and the Mid South but to leverage our fast growing economy for bolstering our client base, and to support strategic investment opportunities in locations I hold near and dear to my heart. Without question, USI is uniquely well-positioned to establish itself as the premier brokerage firm in this region, and I look forward to working with Mike."

About USI Insurance Services
USI is the 3rd largest privately held insurance broker, the 4th largest privately held commercial lines broker in the United States, and the 13th largest insurance brokerage firm in the world . With more than 4,000 dedicated, experienced and innovative professionals, USI is a leader in middle market property-casualty, employee benefits, personal lines, retirement, program and specialty business. USI has been recognized for its innovation by Information Week 500 the last three years and Best's Review January 2014 Innovation Showcase. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, N.Y. and operates out of more than 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at http://www.usi.biz.

1 Insurance Journal Top 100 Privately Held Independent Agencies Ranking 2013
2 Insurance Journal Top 50 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking 2013 (excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators)
3 Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking

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