Gallagher Enhances Leadership in Executive and Financial Risk Practice; AXA XL Elevates Williams and Schmude in Specialty Insurance Sector
Gallagher Expands Executive and Financial Risk Practice Leadership Team
Gallagher, based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has announced the appointment of new leaders within its executive and financial risk practice. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in managing complex risks faced by organizations today.
Seth Pfalzer has been appointed as senior vice president and national director, joining the practice’s board of directors. His extensive experience in risk management will be invaluable as Gallagher seeks to strengthen its position in the market.
Priya Huskins has also been appointed as senior vice president and national director, where she will lead the practice’s content thought leadership initiatives. With her background as a corporate securities attorney and a public company board member, Huskins brings a wealth of knowledge in advising clients on mitigating directors & officers (D&O) liability risks.
Joining Huskins in leadership are Lenin Lopez and Walker Newell, both taking on the roles of senior vice president and executive director. Lopez utilizes his experience in corporate governance and securities functions at public companies to assist boards and executive management in navigating legal and business risks effectively.
Newell, on the other hand, leverages his extensive background in securities litigation and enforcement matters, gained from his roles in government, public companies, and elite law firms, to provide strategic counsel to clients.
All four leaders—Pfalzer, Huskins, Lopez, and Newell—previously served as management liability leaders at Woodruff Sawyer before Gallagher’s acquisition of the firm in 2025, marking a significant step in Gallagher’s expansion strategy.
AXA XL Promotes Williams and Schmude in Specialty Insurance Team
AXA XL, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has announced the promotions of Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude. Williams has been elevated to head of ocean marine, overseeing cargo, hull & P&I, and marine liabilities, while Schmude has been promoted to head of commercial bonds.
Based in Seattle, Williams has been instrumental in shaping AXA XL’s marine underwriting and risk management strategies. In her new role, she will manage the Ocean Marine portfolio across the Americas, ensuring that clients receive top-notch service and innovative solutions.
Schmude, who operates out of Chicago, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in the bonds market. His focus will be on expanding AXA XL’s offerings and strengthening client relationships within this vital segment.
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Gallagher Expands Executive and Financial Risk Practice Leadership Team
Gallagher, based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has announced the appointment of new leaders within its executive and financial risk practice. This strategic move aims to enhance the firm’s capabilities in managing complex risks faced by organizations today.
Seth Pfalzer has been appointed as senior vice president and national director, joining the practice’s board of directors. His extensive experience in risk management will be invaluable as Gallagher seeks to strengthen its position in the market.
Priya Huskins has also been appointed as senior vice president and national director, where she will lead the practice’s content thought leadership initiatives. With her background as a corporate securities attorney and a public company board member, Huskins brings a wealth of knowledge in advising clients on mitigating directors & officers (D&O) liability risks.
Joining Huskins in leadership are Lenin Lopez and Walker Newell, both taking on the roles of senior vice president and executive director. Lopez utilizes his experience in corporate governance and securities functions at public companies to assist boards and executive management in navigating legal and business risks effectively.
Newell, on the other hand, leverages his extensive background in securities litigation and enforcement matters, gained from his roles in government, public companies, and elite law firms, to provide strategic counsel to clients.
All four leaders—Pfalzer, Huskins, Lopez, and Newell—previously served as management liability leaders at Woodruff Sawyer before Gallagher’s acquisition of the firm in 2025, marking a significant step in Gallagher’s expansion strategy.
AXA XL Promotes Williams and Schmude in Specialty Insurance Team
AXA XL, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, has announced the promotions of Mikki Williams and Doug Schmude. Williams has been elevated to head of ocean marine, overseeing cargo, hull & P&I, and marine liabilities, while Schmude has been promoted to head of commercial bonds.
Based in Seattle, Williams has been instrumental in shaping AXA XL’s marine underwriting and risk management strategies. In her new role, she will manage the Ocean Marine portfolio across the Americas, ensuring that clients receive top-notch service and innovative solutions.
Schmude, who operates out of Chicago, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record in the bonds market. His focus will be on expanding AXA XL’s offerings and strengthening client relationships within this vital segment.
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