Colonial Surety Appoints Richard Clarke as Chief Insurance Officer to Spearhead Growth of its SMB-Focused Insurance Product Suite

Industry veteran to help to accelerate the expansion of insurance services, turning Colonial’s direct, digital insurance platform into a one-stop-shop for all SMB’s insurance needs

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Colonial Surety, a direct and digital insurer, today announced the appointment Richard “Dick” Clarke as Chief Insurance Officer, with immediate effect.

This news comes on the heels of the company’s recent SMB digital platform launch, which was purpose built to make it easier and quicker for businesses to find, purchase and manage all the insurance and bond products they need to build strong, stable and safeguarded businesses. In his new role, Clarke will lead all insurance strategy and operations for the expansion of the company’s SMB focused product suite, building out the online platform into a one-stop-shop for America’s SMBs.

As an insurance industry veteran with more than three decades of experience, Clarke is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU). He is also a sought-after higher education teacher, who specializes in continuing education classes for insurance agents, as well as an author, having published articles in well-respected insurance publications, such as “Insurance Journal” and “Rough Notes” magazine, and two books: Maximizing Coverage, Minimizing Costs (1994) and Executive Liability Insurance (Sixth Edition, 2020).

“We are privileged to be able to add an experienced insurance expert of Clarke’s caliber to the Colonial Surety team,” said Wayne Nunziata, CEO of Colonial Surety. “Clarke’s deep experience from working closely with insurance agents, and his forward-looking vision to help us provide SMBs with the same standard of insurance coverage that large corporations get access to, will be a critical asset as we look to expand our existing line of SMB products and services. Clarke will be instrumental in building out our online SMB platform into an all-in-one hub providing every type of coverage a small business owner could need to protect themselves in this ever evolving, digital world.”

As announced last spring, Colonial Surety will be bringing an expanded range of products to its SMB platform, including general liability insurance, directors’ and officers’ insurance, commercial crime insurance, business owners’ policy, and workers compensation. With his extensive background, Clarke will bring a wealth of relevant experience to the organization as it focuses on this next phase of growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Clarke said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Colonial Surety at this exciting stage of growth. I've been searching for a venture where I could make a significant impact and maximize the return on my career experience to date. I look forward to the challenge of enhancing Colonial Surety’s SMB focused offerings and creating a service that delivers real value to its current — and future — clients.”

About Colonial Surety

Colonial Surety was founded in 1930 and brings deep experience and market expertise to every product and every customer relationship. Colonial Surety gives its customers the assurance that they, their businesses, and their clients are always safeguarded with the right surety and insurance products.

Colonial Surety makes it easy for a wide range of industries and professions to buy the bonds and insurance products they need. Colonial Surety is a direct and digital insurer offering products through an online platform supported with exemplary customer service. The company gives customers a simple, direct, and instant service that takes the pain out of buying insurance and bonds. Colonial Surety is licensed in every U.S. state, rated “A” Excellent by A.M. Best, and listed by the U.S. Treasury as an approved surety.