CopperPoint Insurance Companies, a western-based super regional commercial insurance company and leading provider of workers’ compensation and commercial insurance solutions, announced today that CEO Marc Schmittlein will succeed Ken Kirk as Chair of the Board of Directors for the company, serving as the combined President and CEO/Executive Chair.
The Board has also elected current member Marita Zuraitis to serve as Lead Independent Director.
MORE NEWS: CopperPoint Insurance Company marks its 100th year in business
WANT MORE ECONOMIC INSIGHTS? Get our free newsletter here
Schmittlein, who was elected to the Executive Chair role at the organization’s June Board meeting, joined CopperPoint as CEO in 2016. Since that time, he has overseen organizational transformation taking the company from $255 million in Gross Written Premium and $3.6 billion in total assets in 2016 to $715 million in Gross Written Premium and $5.2 billion in total assets in 2023.
Prior to joining CopperPoint in 2016, Schmittlein spent 30 years in the commercial insurance industry, most recently with The Travelers Companies as president of its cyber business division and previously as co-president of business insurance. Prior to those roles, he served as president and CEO of the small commercial division known as Select Accounts, a $2.7 billion division of Travelers’ Business Insurance that included workers compensation, business owner’s policy, umbrella coverage and commercial auto. In addition, his career includes leadership roles in commercial divisions of St. Paul Companies and Aetna. As a part of his leadership tenure at Travelers, Schmittlein was appointed as an EVP in 2010, and placed on the company’s senior leadership team for both Operating and Management Committees.
“Prior to my term ending, the Board and I discussed the importance of consistency and continuity of the organization’s strategic plans going forward,” said Ken Kirk, former Chair of CopperPoint’s Board of Directors. “To that end, the Board has strong support of Marc Schmittlein as the next Chair of the Board, ensuring the continuation of CopperPoint’s strategy and momentum into the future. We believe that he has truly earned this role. With the talent and expertise present on the Board, the Management Team, and the 800+ employees that drive this organization, the company is in great hands going forward.”
“I am thrilled to continue investing in and realizing CopperPoint’s transformation and growth in this new, expanded role,” said Marc Schmittlein. “We have built a platform that continues to deliver as an industry standout, and I am excited to see the continued momentum and upward trajectory of the company.”
Kellen Booher joins CopperPoint as president and COO
CopperPoint Insurance Company, a leading provider of workers’ compensation and commercial insurance solutions operating in 21 states, today announced the addition of Kellen Booher to the company’s executive team as President & Chief Operating Officer. Booher, who will start on March 31, joins from Chubb where he was most recently Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer & Small Commercial for key international markets.
As President & COO for CopperPoint, Booher will report to CEO Marc Schmittlein. Booher’s strategic appointment is part of a planned leadership succession, with Booher set to succeed Schmittlein as CEO. Schmittlein and Booher will spend the next year working closely together prior to Schmittlein’s planned retirement in the first quarter of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition. Schmittlein was appointed Executive Chair of the CopperPoint Board of Directors in 2024 and will remain as Chair following his retirement from the CEO position.
In this role, Booher will be responsible for leading CopperPoint’s continued growth and transformation journey while driving operational excellence and efficiency, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies, and delivering an exceptional CopperPoint experience for customers and distribution partners. With a strong focus on underwriting and claims excellence, innovation and data-driven decision-making, and talent development, Booher will oversee key business functions ensuring CopperPoint extends its competitive edge.
“For nearly a decade, CopperPoint has made important investments to enable the continued growth of our organization. Kellen’s deep experience leading complex businesses through transformation while delivering innovative underwriting, service and claims capabilities will be an instrumental driver in taking our business to new heights,” said Marc Schmittlein, CEO. “I am truly excited to partner with Kellen and confident that his knowledge and expertise will further accelerate our success.”
Prior to his most recent P&L role, Booher led digital transformation in North America and then international markets at Chubb, and held various product, distribution, and analytics leadership positions at The Travelers Companies.
“I am thrilled to be joining CopperPoint, particularly as we celebrate a historic 100 years of service and stability. The commitment to excellence, strong values, and dedication to policyholders and business partners align strongly with my own vision. The organization has an excellent foundation with differentiated capabilities and considerable momentum as we embark on our next century of success,” said Booher. “I look forward to working with Marc and this talented team to further drive strategic growth, enhance product and service offerings, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and our communities.”
