People Moves: Zurich Names Bernard Head of Industry Practices for US Middle Market; FM Promotes Hodge to COO

Zurich North America, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, promoted Stan Bernard to head of industry practices for U.S. Middle Market.

Bernard succeeds Lynn Zeitler, who is retiring in December after 31 years with Zurich.

Bernard, who is based in Maryland, has been with Zurich since 2021. He previously served as assistant vice president and commercial officer at CNA and as a financial institutions underwriter with Chubb.

FM Names Hodge Chief Operating Officer

Commercial property insurer FM, based in Johnston, Rhode Island, said Randy Hodge was appointed chief operating officer (COO). Hodge will take over the COO role from Bret Ahnell, who will retire from the company in March 2025.

The appointment will be effective on Dec. 1, 2024.

Hodge joined FM in 1990 and has held numerous staff and operations roles, including field engineer; group manager field engineering; account manager; assistant client service manager; client service manager; operations manager, Atlanta; and senior vice president, chief underwriting officer. Most recently he served as executive vice president, staff insurance operations.