Berkley Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Berkley has 10 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, and information systems.

Driven by underwriting expertise, Berkley is dedicated to providing tailored insurance solutions and risk management services worldwide, maintaining a strong focus on disciplined risk selection and long-term financial strength.

Leadership Roles at Berkley

  • Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services - Bert Braud
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP - Richard Baio
  • Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Steven Hilgart
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Mark Davidowitz
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Giroux
  • Chief Operating Officer - Joel Glockler
  • Chief Operating Officer, Berkley Embedded Solutions - Ekta Ranjan
  • Chief Technology Officer - Gary Sonntag
  • Vice President, Segment Chief Information Officer - Holly Fettinger
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Richard Lowery
  • Bert Braud - Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services

    Bert Braud, the Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services at Berkley, directs the financial operations and statutory reporting for critical financial and statutory service divisions. Braud's leadership ensures accurate financial planning, robust budgeting, and meticulous compliance with all regulatory requirements pertinent to the insurance industry. This role is fundamental to maintaining Berkley's disciplined risk selection and long-term financial strength, overseeing the financial health and integrity of specialized service units. The Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services is instrumental in managing financial risks, optimizing capital allocation, and providing strategic financial insights that guide business decisions across these key entities. Bert Braud's expertise is vital for supporting the company's mission of delivering tailored insurance solutions and risk management services, ensuring that financial strategies align with operational goals and underwriting excellence.

    Richard Baio - Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP

    Richard Baio, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP at Berkley, spearheads the company's comprehensive financial strategy and oversees its fiscal operations. Baio's extensive responsibilities include financial planning, capital management, investor relations, and ensuring the long-term financial health and stability of the organization. This critical executive role involves guiding Berkley's disciplined approach to risk selection and underwriting, directly contributing to its sustained financial strength. The Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP collaborates closely with other leaders to drive profitable growth and enhance shareholder value across all business lines, including commercial property and casualty insurance. Richard Baio's financial acumen is essential for navigating complex market dynamics and supporting Berkley's global mission of providing specialized insurance and risk management services with unwavering integrity and expertise.

    Steven Hilgart - Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Hilgart, the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at Berkley, manages key financial functions and contributes to the strategic financial direction of the company. Hilgart's oversight supports Berkley's commitment to disciplined risk selection and underwriting excellence, ensuring financial prudence across its operations. This role is integral to maintaining the company's long-term financial strength and its ability to provide specialized insurance and risk management services globally. The Vice President, Chief Financial Officer works to optimize financial performance, manage budgets effectively, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Steven Hilgart's financial leadership is vital for supporting the company's growth objectives and reinforcing its reputation as a reliable provider of commercial lines property and casualty insurance solutions, contributing to overall operational stability and client confidence.

    Mark Davidowitz - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Davidowitz, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Berkley, directs the company's financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions. Davidowitz's leadership ensures robust financial management, supporting Berkley's strategic objectives in commercial lines property and casualty insurance. This executive position is crucial for maintaining the company's financial discipline, underwriting expertise, and long-term financial strength across its global operations. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in capital allocation, risk management, and fostering relationships with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability. Mark Davidowitz's financial stewardship is essential for driving sustainable growth, optimizing profitability, and reinforcing Berkley's commitment to delivering exceptional insurance solutions and risk management services worldwide.

    David Giroux - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    David Giroux, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Berkley, oversees critical financial operations and contributes to the strategic financial planning of the organization. Giroux's role supports Berkley's core mission of providing specialized insurance solutions through disciplined underwriting and a focus on long-term financial strength. This executive leadership position involves managing financial resources, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving financial performance across various business units. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works to enhance operational efficiency and support strategic growth initiatives within the commercial lines property and casualty insurance sector. David Giroux's financial expertise is vital for maintaining Berkley's market position and its commitment to delivering reliable risk management services to clients globally.

    Joel Glockler - Chief Operating Officer

    Joel Glockler, the Chief Operating Officer at Berkley, orchestrates the company's day-to-day operational activities and drives efficiency across its global network of businesses. Glockler's responsibilities encompass optimizing business processes, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring seamless execution of strategic initiatives that support Berkley's specialization in commercial lines property and casualty insurance. This executive leadership position involves close collaboration with various independently managed businesses to maintain high standards of operational excellence and underwriting discipline. The Chief Operating Officer plays a pivotal role in streamlining operations, managing resources effectively, and implementing best practices that contribute to Berkley's long-term financial strength and market impact. Joel Glockler's oversight ensures that the company's operational framework consistently supports its mission of providing tailored insurance solutions and risk management services to a diverse clientele worldwide, reinforcing Berkley's reputation for reliability and expertise.

    Ekta Ranjan - Chief Operating Officer, Berkley Embedded Solutions

    Ekta Ranjan, the Chief Operating Officer, Berkley Embedded Solutions at Berkley, leads the operational strategy and execution for the company's embedded solutions division. Ranjan's focus is on optimizing the delivery of specialized insurance products and services within this niche market, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality customer experiences. This executive role involves managing day-to-day operations, driving process improvements, and fostering innovation to support the unique needs of embedded insurance partners. The Chief Operating Officer, Berkley Embedded Solutions plays a critical part in enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the division's growth and profitability. Ekta Ranjan's leadership ensures that Berkley Embedded Solutions maintains its competitive edge by providing tailored, technology-driven insurance solutions and robust risk management services.

    Gary Sonntag - Chief Technology Officer

    Gary Sonntag, the Chief Technology Officer at Berkley, directs the company's overall technology strategy and execution. Sonntag oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that support Berkley's global insurance operations and risk management services. This leadership role involves ensuring the robustness, scalability, and security of all IT infrastructure, driving digital transformation initiatives, and fostering a culture of technological advancement across the organization. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Sonntag enhances operational efficiency, improves data analytics capabilities, and supports the underwriting expertise that defines Berkley's market position. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic vision is critical for maintaining Berkley's competitive edge in the commercial lines property and casualty insurance sector, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies with existing business processes and safeguarding sensitive client data. Gary Sonntag's focus remains on empowering business units with the digital tools necessary for growth and superior client service.

    Holly Fettinger - Vice President, Segment Chief Information Officer

    Holly Fettinger, the Vice President, Segment Chief Information Officer at Berkley, leads the information technology strategy and operations for specific business segments within the company. Fettinger's role focuses on aligning technology initiatives with the unique needs of these segments, ensuring they receive robust IT support that enhances their ability to offer tailored insurance solutions. This executive position involves overseeing the implementation of critical IT infrastructure, managing data security, and driving digital innovation to support underwriting expertise and operational efficiency. The Vice President, Segment Chief Information Officer works to ensure that technology investments directly contribute to the financial strength and market competitiveness of the segments they serve. Holly Fettinger's strategic direction is crucial for enabling Berkley's diverse business units to effectively manage risk and deliver exceptional service to clients across various industries.

    Richard Lowery - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Richard Lowery, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Berkley, directs the company's information technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Lowery's leadership ensures that technology systems effectively support Berkley's global operations in commercial lines property and casualty insurance, enhancing underwriting capabilities and risk management services. This executive position involves overseeing IT operations, cybersecurity, and the development of innovative technological solutions that drive business growth and efficiency. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer is instrumental in maintaining the integrity and security of data, supporting the company's commitment to long-term financial strength. Richard Lowery's strategic vision for technology is crucial for enabling Berkley to adapt to evolving market demands and deliver superior value to its clients worldwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Berkley Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Berkley?
    Berkley is led by Bert Braud (Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services), along with executives such as Richard Baio (Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP) and Steven Hilgart (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Berkley’s executive team?
    The executive team of Berkley includes leaders such as Bert Braud (Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services), Richard Baio (Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP), Steven Hilgart (Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Berkley have?
    Berkley has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Berkley’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Berkley includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Berkley Financial & Statutory Services, Chief Financial Officer & Executive VP, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.