The American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) announced the election of its new officers following its Annual Meeting on Nov. 4, naming Karen Griswold, Executive Vice President, Ocean Marine, Chubb, as Chair of its Board of Directors. Griswold becomes the second woman to hold the position in AIMU’s 128-year history, following Deirdre Littlefield, then a Senior Vice President at Swiss Re, who served as Chair from November 2000 to November 2002.

Also elected were Brian Murphy, Senior Vice President, Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers, as Vice Chair, and Karla Scott, Head of Cargo & Logistics Insurance, MSIG USA, as Director of Finances.

“I am honored to serve as AIMU’s Chair,” said Griswold. “Our industry has a rich history and an exciting future, and I look forward to working with my fellow officers and our Board of Directors to build on AIMU’s longstanding commitment to education, professional development and industry leadership. I also want to acknowledge AIMU President John Miklus for his dedication to the organization and his unwavering support of women in marine insurance. His leadership has helped create opportunities for the next generation of industry professionals.”

Miklus welcomed the newly elected officers, recognizing their experience and the significance of Griswold’s election.

“Karen, Brian and Karla bring exceptional experience, leadership and a shared commitment to advancing the marine insurance industry,” said Miklus. “Karen’s election as the second woman chair in AIMU’s history is another milestone and reflects the progress our industry has made in recognizing and developing talented leaders. I look forward to working with all three as we continue strengthening AIMU’s role as an advocate, educator and resource for the marine insurance community.”

Murphy emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the industry’s evolving challenges.

“I’m pleased to continue supporting AIMU as Vice Chair, working alongside Karen Griswold and Karla Scott,” said Murphy. “We have an ambitious agenda ahead, and I’m confident our leadership team is well-positioned to make meaningful progress on behalf of our members and the marine insurance industry.”

Scott, who becomes the first officer from the West Coast elected to AIMU leadership, emphasized the importance of expanding the organization’s geographic reach.

“I am delighted to be elected Director of Finances of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters,” said Scott. “I am particularly excited to serve alongside my fellow officers. Our new leadership represents an important milestone for AIMU and reflects the breadth of talent across the marine insurance community. I am especially proud to be the first officer from the West Coast elected to AIMU leadership and look forward to strengthening the organization’s engagement across all regions of the country.”

Griswold has more than 30 years of experience in marine insurance and leads Chubb’s Ocean Marine business in North America, overseeing ocean cargo, commercial hull, marine liabilities and marine facilities. She joined ACE, now Chubb, in 1999 and has held numerous leadership positions throughout her career. A longtime supporter of AIMU, she has served on its Hull and Finance Committees and previously held the positions of Director of Finances and Vice Chair. She is also active in the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI).

Murphy is Senior Vice President and Head of Marine at Berkley Offshore, a W. R. Berkley company. A seasoned marine insurance executive, he has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, holding leadership roles in underwriting, management and industry organizations.

A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Murphy serves as Vice Chair of its Alumni Association & Foundation and as Chair of the IUMI Legal & Liability Committee. He holds CPCU and AMIM professional designations.

Scott is Head of Cargo & Logistics Insurance at MSIG USA and is recognized as a leading voice in the cargo and logistics insurance market, with more than 25 years of industry experience. She previously served as Global Head of Logistics at The Hartford and Cargo Product Leader at Markel. Scott also serves on the Finance Committee of the National Cargo Bureau and is Vice Chair of the IUMI Cargo Committee.

The newly elected officers will help guide AIMU’s efforts to address emerging risks, promote professional education and strengthen collaboration throughout the marine insurance industry.

About the American Institute of Marine Underwriters

Established in 1898, the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) is the trade association representing the U.S. ocean marine insurance industry. AIMU serves as an advocate, educator and information resource, providing professional education, research, technical expertise and industry engagement. Its member companies represent the overwhelming majority of ocean marine insurance premiums written in the United States. For more information, visit www.aimu.org.

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