By Navneeta Nandan

July 18 - (The Insurer) - UK insurance services firm Davies has promoted Mike Heard to president of operations of its North American business.

Heard will be reporting directly to CEO of Davies’ North American division, Dhara Patel, who was promoted in March from her president position at American Claims Management that was acquired by Davies in 2023.

In his new role, Heard will supervise day-to-day back-office operations, accelerate integration and scale Davies’ service delivery model for its clients. He will also play a significant role in simplifying the operations in North America.

He will also be a key member of the senior team and be responsible for developing and driving the firm’s GenAI strategy.

Heard, who has been in the insurance sector for 28 years, joined Davies in May 2024 as chief operating officer of Davies’ life and health division.

He has also served stints at National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guarantee Associations, CNO Financial Group, Washington National Insurance Company and the United States Air Force, among others.

Davies had secured new credit facilities of 275 million pounds ($370 million) from Blackstone in May to fund investment in GenAI and automation, along with its M&A and organic growth strategy across North America, APAC and EMEA regions.

The company appointed BMS Group's James Ferris as CEO of its captive management business earlier this month.