Everest Group has announced the appointment of John Howard to its board of directors as an independent, non-executive member, effective immediately.
Howard brings over three decades of experience in the insurance sector and leadership roles across financial services. Most recently, he served as CEO of Truist Insurance Holdings (TIH), holding various leadership positions over a twenty-year period with the company. Notably, Howard spearheaded the US$16 billion leveraged buyout of TIH from Truist Financial Corporation (formerly BB&T Corporation). TIH ranks among the top 10 largest insurance brokerages in the United States, where Howard played a key role in developing the company’s operational strategy and governance structure.
On January 1, Howard transitioned from CEO of TIH to the role of vice chair and continues to serve on the board of managers. His previous leadership positions include roles at Prudential Financial, GE, and Conseco, Inc. Howard began his career in the U.S. Navy.
Beyond his corporate experience, Howard has also been involved with industry associations and regulatory bodies. He currently serves on the Insurance Policy Committee of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, The Institutes, and the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science at St. John’s University.
Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Columbia University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Jim Williamson, Everest’s president and CEO, described Howard as a valuable addition to the board, citing his experience in building businesses, teams, and insurance portfolios.
Following Howard’s appointment, the Everest board of directors comprises:
- Joseph V. Taranto: chairman
- Jim Williamson: president and chief executive officer
- John J. Amore: retired chief executive officer of the general insurance division, Zurich Financial Services Group
- William F. Galtney Jr.: deputy chairman and president, Galtney Group, Inc.
- John A. Graf: non-executive vice chairman, Global Atlantic Financial Group
- Meryl Hartzband: retired chief investment officer, Stone Point Capital
- Gerri Losquadro: retired senior vice president, Marsh & McLennan Companies
- Roger M. Singer: retired senior vice president, general counsel & secretary, OneBeacon Insurance Group LLC
- Hazel McNeilage: retired head of EMEA, Northern Trust Asset Management
- John Howard: independent, non-executive member
