Crawford & Company announces “new simplified operating structure”

Crawford & Company, the Atlanta, Georgia-based independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, announced a “new simplified operating structure” last week.

The new structure is designed to capitalize on Crawford’s competitive position, enhance the firm’s profitability and align with the global market for insurance companies, reinsurers, brokers, Lloyd’s and the London market as well as self-insured corporations, Crawford & Company said in a statement. Effective immediately, the company’s business segments are: U.S. Property & Casualty, International operations, Broadspire and Garden City Group.

“The restructuring allows each operating division to adapt to changing market needs with greater speed and flexibility while ensuring our CEOs are able to devote more time to meeting our many clients’ needs in a competitive claims environment,” said Harsha V. Agadi, Crawford interim president and CEO, in the statement. 

Ian V. Muress, previously head of Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, has been given additional responsibility for Canada and Latin America and has been appointed CEO, International operations.

The remaining business unit heads will retain their current roles: Larry Thomas, CEO, U.S. Property & Casualty and Contractor Connection; Danielle Lisenbey, CEO, Broadspire; and David Isaac, CEO, Garden City Group. All will report to Agadi. In addition, Canadian CEO Pat Van Bakel (pictured above) will report to Muress as will Kieran Rigby, CEO of Europe, who will now also oversee Latin American operations.

Commenting on its Major, Complex and Specialty Loss business, Crawford Global Technical Services (GTS), Agadi stated that GTS “remains a strategic priority for us,” and it will continue to be led by EVP Mike Reeves, Global Head of GTS and John Sharoun (pictured right), CEO, GTS Americas, who will work closely with business unit leaders around the globe.

“Crawford remains the pre-eminent independent claims manager globally with an unparalleled competitive position and robust revenue base,” Agadi said in the statement. “Through the recently initiated restructuring plan, we can achieve target operating margins on a business-segment level to further drive company growth and development of additional products and services. The restructuring will further enhance client relationships, and we look forward to serving their claims management needs while exploring expanded opportunities.”