Alliant Insurance Services has launched a national commercial insurance platform while also adding a key employee to its employee benefits portfolio.

As part of the launch of its commercial surety practice, contract surety brokerage firm Orlando Aguirre, senior vice president of Houston-based Alliant Specialty (pictured), has chosen to lead the process.

“Orlando has demonstrated exceptional leadership in our energy and marine assurance businesses, demonstrating the energy and vision necessary to establish Alliant’s presence in commercial assurance,” said Michael Kozak, executive vice president of Alliant Specialty.

“Alliant has a dominant position in contract assurance. Formalizing our commercial assurance practice will enhance the specialized expertise we offer clients through creative, customized solutions that address the growing complexities of risks across all industries.”

In addition to introducing Alliant Commercial Surety, the company also named Brad Heater vice president and producer for the Midwest region within its employee benefits operations.

“Brad’s deep experience in benefits strategy will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our clients,” commented Kevin Overby, President of Employee Benefits at Alliant.

“His ability to design benefits offerings that match employee needs aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping organizations succeed by attracting and retaining top talent.”

Heater brings over two decades of experience as an employee benefits consultant to the group.

These changes follow appointments within Alliant’s New York-based M&A practice: Mark Rosas has been named executive vice president and managing director and Peter Miraglia has been named executive vice president.

“Mark’s extensive experience, proven leadership, passion for the business, and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in strengthening our private equity and M&A practice,” Kozak said recently. “Peter has unparalleled depth of experience as an insurance executive, having worked with private equity and M&A clients for decades.”

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