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GREENWICH, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) today announced that Michael G. Connor has been named president of Continental Western Group, LLC. The appointment is effective immediately. Mr. Connor succeeds Bradley S. Kuster, who will oversee other activities within the W. R. Berkley Corporation group of companies.

Mr. Connor has over 25 years of experience in the property casualty insurance industry and served most recently as senior vice president - commercial markets - Northeast division at another leading property and casualty insurer. He graduated with a B.A. from Colgate University and holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Underwriting professional designations.

William R. Berkley, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said: aMike brings a wealth of experience in the regional property casualty insurance market and we are pleased to welcome him to our team. Continental Western will benefit from his expertise while continuing to bring value and opportunity to our independent agents. We are enthusiastic about Bradas new role within the organization and his continued contribution to the enterprise.a

Continental Western Group, based in Des Moines, Iowa, is a leading provider of commercial insurance services and expertise to a wide range of businesses throughout the Midwest.

For further information about the products and services available from Continental Western Group, please visit [ www.cwgins.com ].

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates in five segments of the property casualty insurance business: specialty insurance, regional property casualty insurance, alternative markets, reinsurance and international.