February's Select Employee (2022)

Learn more about one of our newest leadership hires, Carlos Montanez, who joined us as Vice President of Affinity Underwriting in October 2021.

“Berkley Select is a well-known and respected insurance carrier for as long as I have been a part of this industry. I have been fortunate to grow in my career and find many opportunities in professional liability insurance. I hope to apply my experience in Program Management to help grow our current programs and leverage the relationships I have forged over the years to drive new opportunities.”

Carlos, you have worked in the commercial insurance industry for over 17 years. What has kept you tenured to the business this entire time of your professional career?

At its roots, the insurance industry is about protecting members of a community – so it has that civil minded aspect that has kept me in the industry all these years. In addition, the insurance industry is also diverse and affects almost everyone in this country and is essential to everyone throughout life. It is a demanding industry with a variety of career opportunities and I have been fortunate to find many opportunities and grow in my career. This is also a customer-focused business and can be a rewarding environment to work in. Being part of such meaningful work has been the driver that keeps me motivated.

What can you tell us about Berkley Select Affinity Programs and your plans to expand any programs in the coming year?

Here at Berkley Select we currently have 11 active Affinity programs with approximately 14,000 policyholders. Our current active programs include Optometrists, Chiropractors, Community Associations, Educators, Emergency Medical Directors, Accountants/Bookkeepers, and Law Firms. Our appetite targets existing PL/E&O affinity programs with $2M in written premium or greater and at least 5 years of premium and loss history. We prefer businesses that can be written using a well-defined underwriting template. I hope to apply my experience in Program Management to help grow our current programs and leverage the relationships I have forged over the years to drive new opportunities.

How did you come to choose Berkley Select in fall 2021? Was there a differentiator you saw that helped influence your decision?

Berkley Select is a well-known and respected insurance carrier for as long as I have been a part of this industry. We are leaders in executive and professional liability solutions with expertise that is unmatched in the industry providing the highest levels of underwriting and claims service, and that coupled with top ratings from AM Best made it an easy choice for me.

When you are not here at Berkley Select, what can we find you doing?

I love spending time with my pride and joy, my son, Aiden. We’re very big sports fans and we are involved in several sports activities during the year where I help coach. When I’m not playing ‘dad coach’, I enjoy spending time with my gearhead friends working on cars and attending racing events during the summer months.

What is your favorite quote?

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” – Thomas Jefferson