Starr has announced the appointment of Peter Hirs as its new chief financial officer, effective January 13, 2025. Hirs will succeed Howard I. Smith, who is retiring after an impressive 40 years of service with the company.
Peter Hirs brings over two decades of industry experience to his new role. He previously worked at a global insurance carrier, where he oversaw regional finance teams worldwide and spearheaded mergers and acquisitions initiatives. As Starr’s CFO, Hirs will oversee the organization’s global financial operations from its headquarters in New York.
Smith had led Starr’s financial operations since 2005, when Maurice Greenberg, Starr’s chairman emeritus, re-established Starr as a free-standing investment and insurance organization.
Starr is a marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co. and its subsidiaries.
In related news, Starr recently appointed Bob Gadaleta to lead Twin Maples Specialty, a newly created division within Starr Specialty Lines Insurance Agency. Gadaleta joined Starr as executive vice president of wholesale commercial insurance, following his tenure as head of insurance at Nirvana.
Twin Maples Specialty is focused on working with wholesale brokers to broaden Starr’s presence in a market where wholesale brokers are increasingly influential. The division specializes in providing tailored products and services for mid-sized and small businesses, supported by a dedicated team of underwriters for the wholesale channel.
