Insurance Industry Shake-Up: Liberty, Alliant, and XPT Announce Key Leadership and Expansion Moves
August 22, 2025
The U.S. insurance sector is witnessing a flurry of strategic moves as major players Liberty Mutual, Alliant Insurance Services, and XPT Specialty bolster their leadership teams and expand operations to address evolving market demands. These developments, announced in recent weeks, signal a proactive response to industry challenges, including a projected workforce shortage of nearly 400,000 by 2026, rising medical inflation, and increasing demand for specialized insurance solutions.
Liberty Mutual Strengthens Leadership and Operations
The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers has made significant appointments to drive growth and operational efficiency. Amber Cowan was named Chief Human Resources Officer, tasked with leading recruitment, workforce development, and cultural alignment as the company scales across U.S. markets. Cowan brings extensive HR experience from roles at USI Insurance Services, Silicon Valley Bank, and Cincinnati Insurance Company. Her appointment aligns with Liberty’s focus on addressing the industry’s looming talent gap.
Additionally, Liberty promoted Adam Baillie to Chief Operating Officer (COO) from his prior role as Chief Strategy Officer. Baillie, who joined Liberty in 2014, has been instrumental in developing its business development, data, and underwriting units. As COO, he will oversee all four of Liberty’s business segments and key operational functions, positioning the company for continued growth.
Michael Spirakis was appointed as National Sales Training and Development Leader, leveraging his experience as president of Producer Activity LLC, where he led sales training for over 1,000 commercial producers. His role will focus on enhancing Liberty’s sales capabilities nationwide.
In a regional expansion, Liberty launched Liberty Naranjo, a new San Francisco Bay Area office, led by managing partners to strengthen its Northern California presence. However, Liberty Mutual faced challenges in California, announcing plans to exit the condo and rental insurance markets starting in 2026, potentially impacting over 160,000 properties. The company’s subsidiary, Safeco, will continue writing new homeowners policies, but the Liberty brand has ceased new homeowner policies in the state.
Alliant Bolsters Employee Benefits and Strategic Growth
Alliant Insurance Services, ranked fifth among the world’s largest insurance brokerages by revenue, continues its aggressive expansion with key hires and acquisitions. The company named Steven Money as Assistant Vice President in its Employee Benefits Group, bringing over 20 years of expertise in health and benefits strategies for middle-market companies. Keith Coghlan was appointed Vice President, focusing on benefit program structuring and cost containment for Southeastern U.S. clients, addressing rising healthcare costs and compliance challenges.
Alliant also welcomed Tammy Lane and Faby Jauregui as Senior Vice President and Vice President, respectively, in its Employee Benefits Group. Lane, based in Florida, specializes in mergers and acquisitions due diligence and health trust management, while Jauregui, based in San Francisco, focuses on cost containment and employee engagement.
On the strategic front, Alliant appointed Andy Oldenburg and Betty Wehmann as Senior Vice Presidents in its Alliant Americas and Employee Benefits Group divisions, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. The company further strengthened its Mergers & Acquisitions practice by hiring Mark Rusas as Executive Vice President and Managing Director, alongside acquisitions like Property Owners Protection Insurance Company, LLC, and Vinsa Insurance Associates to expand its real estate and public entity offerings.
Alliant’s CEO transition saw Greg Zimmer take over from Tom Corbett, who moved to Executive Chairman after over 30 years as CEO, signaling a new phase of leadership for the Irvine-based firm.
XPT Specialty Expands Southeast Footprint
Wholesale broker XPT Specialty has launched new operations in Atlanta, Georgia, and North Carolina, supported by three new underwriters: Will Pinson, Janet Christenberry, and Charles Bethishou. These hires bring deep regional knowledge and strong carrier relationships, strengthening XPT’s commercial lines and excess & surplus (E&S) capabilities. The expansion aims to capitalize on the Southeast’s growing insurance market while addressing the industry’s workforce challenges.
XPT also added Ben Swift as an underwriter/broker in its Indianapolis office, leveraging his prior experience at Chubb Insurance and Brown & Brown to enhance its brokerage team.
Industry Context and Outlook
These moves come at a critical time for the insurance industry, which faces a projected loss of nearly 400,000 workers by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies like Liberty, Alliant, and XPT are investing in talent and geographic expansion to maintain competitive edges in a market grappling with rising medical inflation, regulatory changes, and demand for specialized services like employee benefits and E&S lines. Alliant’s focus on healthcare consulting and XPT’s Southeast push reflect strategic responses to these trends, while Liberty’s leadership restructuring aims to ensure operational resilience.
As the industry navigates these challenges, these firms’ proactive strategies underscore their commitment to growth and adaptability. Observers will be watching how these changes influence market dynamics, particularly in high-demand regions and sectors.