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Less than six months after being promoted to the job, Joseph J. Beneducci tendered his resignation as CEO of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. Chuck Kavitsky, president of Allianz of America and the former Fireman’s Fund chief executive whom Beneducci replaced, has been named interim CEO.

Beneducci started his job as CEO on Jan. 1, 2007, and resigned for personal and career reasons, according to Susan Murdy, the company’s director of media relations. She said the company is searching for a new CEO and a permanent successor will be named in due course.

Beneducci is a long-time Fireman’s Fund executive, having joined the company in 1998 after a 10-year career at Chubb. He previously served as president and chief operating officer before succeeding Kavitsky, who was promoted to a new position as president of Allianz of America.

Marsh made two senior appointments within its United Kingdom business. John Nicholson, who previously headed Marsh’s National business in the United Kingdom, becomes the chief operating officer of Marsh UK, reporting to CEO Martin South.

Chris Lay will assume responsibility for the national business, which provides risk management and insurance support to individuals, consumer groups and regionally based companies.

Topa Insurance Co. and Dorchester Insurance Co., Los Angeles, promoted Patrick Sessions to vice president of claims. Sessions joined Topa in September 2003 as operations manager, claims. Most recently, he was assistant vice president, claims.

The company also named Daniel Sherrin senior vice president. Sherrin joined the company in July 1993 as controller and was promoted to vice president in 1997. Over the years, he assumed responsibilities for systems and human resources.

Los Angeles-based Lemac & Associates named Tyie Moore an assistant vice president. She will be responsible for enhancing capabilities in professional liability, directors and officers, and employment practices liability, as well as expanding the client base. Previously, Moore was at Swett & Crawford and Bliss & Glennon.

Seattle-based Safeco named David M. Monfried senior vice president of corporate communications. During the past year, Monfried has been a marketing and communications consultant for the company. He most recently headed corporate communications for MetLife, in New York. He also was vice president of corporate communications for The St. Paul Companies.

Monfried replaces Laurie Johnson, who had been leading marketing and communications functions and was named vice president-online strategy. In her new role, Johnson will oversee the development of an online strategy and roadmap for the next generation of the company’s Web site.

H.W. Kaufman Financial Group/Burns & Wilcox Chairman, President and CEO Alan Jay Kaufman realigned the company’s senior management team. Seven executives were promoted to senior vice president or vice president positions with corporate responsibility to both H.W. Kaufman Financial Group and Burns & Wilcox. They report directly to Kaufman. The promotions include:

Gary Batten to senior vice president from vice president. In addition to his continued management of the New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., offices, Batten also is responsible for Burns & Wilcox’s Atlanta, Little Rock, Ark., and Birmingham, Ala., offices.

Donald Carson to senior vice president from vice president. He is responsible for the Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston offices. Carson also oversees Kaufman Financial Group/Burns & Wilcox special projects and operations.

Harvey Goldenberg to senior vice president from vice president. He assumes responsibility for all California offices — Fresno, Modesto, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.

Wayne Bates to vice president from associate vice president and director of Special Risk Division-International. Bates will continue to oversee SRD – International.

Michael Franzese to vice president from vice president and manager of the Daytona Beach, Fla., and Tampa, Fla., offices. He will continue to direct those offices.

Michael Maharaj to vice president from vice president manager of the Phoenix and Albuquerque, N.M., offices. He will retain responsibility for these offices.

Kermit Shaulis to vice president from vice president and manager of the Pittsburgh office. He will continue to oversee the Pittsburgh office.

Additionally, Ken Laderoute was promoted to vice president of underwriting from associate vice president and director of SRD-Domestic. He continues his role with SRD-Domestic and is responsible for the company’s Farmington Hills, Mich., and Cleveland offices.

Chicago-based Unitrin Inc. appointed John M. Boschelli vice president and treasurer. Boschelli oversees the day-to-day investment operations, cash management and corporate finance. He had served as treasurer since his election to officer by Unitrin’s board of directors in 2002.

Prior to that, Boschelli served at in several other capacities since 1990, including assistant treasurer, investment accounting manager, senior accountant, supervising senior auditor and staff auditor.

Van Gilder Insurance Corp., based in Denver, hired Maureen E. Herzog as an account executive specializing in the Lawyers Property and Casualty practice.

Also, Atha Forsberg was named a business development specialist and participant in the firm’s mentoring program.

USI Holdings Corp. in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., named Vincent E. Nerlino executive vice president and chief financial officer. He has also been elected to serve on the company’s board of directors.

Since 1986, Nerlino has held various positions at American Express Co. Most recently, he served as senior vice president/chief financial officer, American Express International & Global Corporate Services.

Robert S. Schneider, the company’s former CFO, resigned to pursue other opportunities, according to the company.