Farmington Hills, Mich. (October 30, 2025) – H.W. Kaufman Group, the privately held, industry leading global insurance organization, today announced that 16 members of its Executive and North American teams have been promoted to new roles. The announcement follows the 2025 Kaufman Leadership Meeting in Detroit, Michigan, which brings together leaders from Kaufman companies worldwide.
“We are pleased to elevate these outstanding professionals to new positions,” said Danny Kaufman, Co-President, H.W. Kaufman Group and President, Burns & Wilcox. “They have been instrumental in the success of our organization. We look forward to their leadership in continuing to pursue our aggressive growth strategy.”
The promotions included:
- Christine Tricoli, promoted to Group Chief HR Officer & Executive Vice President; from Group Chief HR Officer & Senior Vice President.
- David Janis, promoted to Group General Counsel & Senior Vice President; from Group General Counsel & Vice President.
- Andy Wood, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Senior Vice President, Professional Liability; from Burns & Wilcox Vice President.
- Kate Wright, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Vice President & Senior Regional Practice Group Leader (Personal Lines); from Associate Vice President & Senior Regional Practice Group Leader.
- Tom Carvalho, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Vice President & Managing Director (San Francisco); from Managing Director.
- Jeff Ditmar, promoted to Atain Vice President; from Atain Associate Vice President.
- Amy Felder, promoted to Atain Vice President; from Atain Associate Vice President.
- Brad Nehring, promoted to RB Jones Vice President; from RB Jones Director, Energy.
- Travis Verdino, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Associate Vice President & Managing Director (Denver); from Managing Director.
- Aaron Pfister, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Associate Vice President & Associate Managing Director (Scottsdale); from Associate Managing Director.
- Justin Pressly, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Associate Vice President & Associate Managing Director (Morehead City); from Associate Managing Director.
- Dario Nalli, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Associate Vice President, Digital Business; from Senior Director.
- Karen Preston, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Managing Director (Tampa); from Burns & Wilcox Associate Managing Director.
- Patricia Sheridan, promoted to Burns & Wilcox Managing Director (Ontario); from Burns & Wilcox Associate Managing Director.
- Mike Pernicano, promoted to Senior Director, Audit; from Audit Director.
- Kyle Widerstedt, promoted to Senior Director, Finance & Corporate Development; from Director.
“We believe deeply in making substantial investments in the professional development of our associates and fostering an environment in which they can perform at their best,” said Jodie Kaufman Davis, Co-President, H.W. Kaufman Group. “These promotions are a direct result of their tireless efforts and an unmatched commitment to serving our clients and partners.”
In 2025, Kaufman has promoted more than 100 associates and hired more than 350 as the company furthers its global growth plans.
About H.W. Kaufman Group
H.W. Kaufman Group is a global specialty insurance organization that employs thousands of professionals across the United States, Canada, U.K., the UAE and Europe. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Kaufman includes Burns & Wilcox, Atain Insurance Companies, RB Jones and H.W. Kaufman Group International, which collectively conduct business in 94 countries worldwide. More information can be found at www.hwkaufman.com.
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