W. R. Berkley Launches Berkley Meridian to Unify Verus and Vela Specialty Insurance Units

W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) today announced the formation of Berkley Meridian, a new specialty insurance business that will combine the strengths of Verus Specialty Insurance and Vela Insurance Services under a shared leadership structure and strategic vision. Marlo M. Morrison will assume the role of president of Berkley Meridian.

The new business will bring together underwriting capabilities, leadership talent, and expertise across construction, professional liability, garage, casualty, and other specialty lines with a continued focus on the E&S wholesale broker market. Integration has begun and is expected to continue into early 2027, while maintaining strong underwriting discipline and delivering a more consistent, predictable, and efficient experience for brokers and customers.

Ms. Morrison joined Verus Specialty Insurance as president in 2019. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, a strong operations background, and is skilled in both primary and excess liability, professional lines, and reinsurance.

Commenting on the announcement, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., chairman, chief executive officer, and president of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said, "Berkley Meridian will create a powerful combination of two exceptional teams, allowing us to further leverage our expertise to provide a broader and deeper suite of solutions. Under Marlo’s leadership, distribution partners and customers can expect an unmatched combination of service, dedication, speed, and technology."

Berkley Meridian is a specialty insurance business focused on delivering a simple and predictable experience for brokers and customers. Being built on a foundation of disciplined underwriting and specialized expertise, the business will help brokers and customers navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and consistency. For further information about the products and services available from Berkley Meridian, please visit www.berkleymeridian.com.