W. R. Berkley Corporation is a publicly traded property and casualty insurance company that provides a broad range of coverages to commercial, industrial and professional businesses. Through its network of insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, the company underwrites specialty lines, general casualty, workers’ compensation, surety, environmental liability and professional indemnity policies. W. R. Berkley also offers captive insurance management services, risk management consulting and loss prevention programs designed to help clients mitigate exposure and control costs.
The company operates across three principal segments: U.S. Insurance, which focuses on middle-market and large-account specialty risks; Global Insurance, offering property and casualty solutions outside the United States; and Reinsurance, providing treaty and facultative reinsurance coverage on a worldwide basis. Within these segments, W. R. Berkley writes business through independent brokers, direct channels and program administrators, tailoring products to industries such as construction, energy, hospitality, professional services and transportation.
Founded in 1967 by William R. Berkley, the firm has grown from a regional carrier into an international insurer serving clients in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. The company maintains corporate headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut, with underwriting offices and branch locations throughout major business centers. Strategic acquisitions and organic expansion have enabled W. R. Berkley to diversify its product portfolio and strengthen its presence in specialty markets.
Leadership at W. R. Berkley includes founder and chairman William R. Berkley and President and Chief Executive Officer W. Robert Berkley Jr., who oversee underwriting practices, capital management and long-term growth initiatives. The company emphasizes disciplined underwriting, sophisticated risk-selection processes and conservative investment policies in order to deliver consistent returns and maintain strong financial ratings from major credit agencies.