Everest adds USQRisk’s Sears as head of alternative risk and national accounts excess casualty

By Michael Loney

June 5 - (The Insurer) - Everest has appointed Ashleigh Sears as head of alternative risk and national accounts excess casualty for North America insurance, with the new hire joining from USQRisk.

Sears most recently served as head of U.S. casualty at USQRisk, which she joined in April 2024.

The Insurer reported last month that Sears had left the alternative risk transfer-focused MGA following its acquisition by Ryan Specialty.

Before USQRisk, Sears held increasingly senior roles at Navigators Management Company, including founding its Boston office and building its New England E&S portfolio.

When The Hartford acquired Navigators in 2019, Sears became the Northeast division leader for Hartford Excess Solutions.

She began her career as an underwriter with Ace.

Sears will report to Joe Fobert, head of North America retail casualty and industry practices at Everest Insurance.

“Ashleigh’s national leadership experience in casualty and alternative risk, combined with her proven ability to shape portfolios and build resilient, high-performing teams, makes her ideally suited for this important role,” said Fobert.