Nationwide has named an industry veteran to lead its excess & surplus / specialty lines business. Russell Johnston joins the company on February 15 and will provide leadership to the 4th largest excess & surplus insurer in the United States.

“I want to welcome Russ to the Nationwide family,” Mark Berven, President and COO of Nationwide P&C said. “Our E&S/specialty lines business is well-positioned for continued growth in 2021 and we’re excited about the future under Russ’s leadership.”

Johnston most recently was chief executive officer of QBE North America. Prior to QBE, he served in a variety of roles at AIG including leading their casualty, property & casualty, environmental, and risk management organizations. With more than 30 years of experience leading insurance organizations, he began his insurance career at Chubb in commercial underwriting.

“Given the critical role our E&S/specialty business plays in our overall portfolio, I look forward to working with Russ and am confident in the vision and leadership he brings to Nationwide as we look to advance our market leading position,” added Nationwide CEO, Kirt Walker.

A graduate of Syracuse University, Russ is active in the industry and community serving on the boards of directors of organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County and the National Council on Compensation Insurance.