McGriff hires Samuel as chief operating officer, announces other senior appointments

March 15, 2022

McGriff today announced that Kyle Samuel has joined the firm as chief operating officer, effective immediately.

A seasoned industry veteran, Samuel joins McGriff after serving as president of Buffalo, NY-based M&T Insurance Agency, a division of M&T Bank, for the past four years. He previously served as managing director for USI Insurance Services and its predecessor, Wells Fargo Insurance Services. Prior to USI, he worked for nearly 17 years at Aon Risk Solutions in various sales and operations roles.

As chief operating officer, Samuel will be responsible for McGriff’s high-performing sales culture and client experience.

“Kyle brings a unique perspective to McGriff and his role as COO, having spent his career in both business development and operational roles in diverse business models,” said Read Davis, CEO, Specialty and Middle Market. “He understands the distinct challenges we all face in growing our business, attracting and developing high-performing talent, and supporting the varied needs of our clients.”

Kyle earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Colorado College, where he played on the football team. He is president of the Colorado College Alumni Association Council and a member of the school’s board of trustees.

In conjunction with Samuel’s appointment, McGriff also announced new roles for four of its current senior business leaders.

• Rocco Orlando has been named carrier relations executive, with responsibility for coordinating McGriff’s P&C carrier connectivity and contracts.
• Mike Breedlove has been appointed national director, middle market, and will work closely with the business’ specialty and industry practice leaders to provide middle market clients with access to subject matter specialists when needed.
• Patrick Maguire is assuming the role of national director, specialty practices, in addition to continuing to lead McGriff’s energy practice.
• Carolyn Littlefield has been named director, strategic projects, with responsibility for overseeing large corporate projects.

Orlando, Breedlove and Maguire will report to Kyle Samuel, COO, while Littlefield will report directly to Read Davis, CEO, Specialty and Middle Market.

Additionally, as McGriff redefines its leadership team as national directors, Jon Trevisan will assume the title of national director, employee benefits practice, while Crystal Sanderson will become national director, small business and personal lines.

“I’m excited about the impact that Rocco, Mike, Patrick, and Carolyn will have in their new roles and am excited about the entire leadership team that is taking shape to move McGriff forward,” said Davis. “The experience and deep industry knowledge of these proven leaders will position us for even greater long-term success in the future.”

A subsidiary of Truist Insurance Holdings, McGriff is a full-service insurance broker providing risk management and insurance solutions to clients across the United States. The firm’s coverages include commercial property and casualty, corporate bonding and surety services, cyber, management liability, captives and alternative risk transfer programs, small business, employee benefits, title insurance, personal lines, and life and health.

Truist Insurance Holdings, Inc.(opens in a new tab), the sixth largest insurance broker in the U.S., and seventh largest in the world, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Truist Bank. Truist Insurance Holdings operates more than 250 offices through its subsidiaries: McGriff Insurance Services, Inc.; CRC Insurance Services, Inc.; Crump Life Insurance Services, Inc.; AmRisc, LLC; and its Premium Finance companies (AFCO Credit Corporation, Prime Rate Premium Finance Corporation, Inc., and CAFO Inc.).