Benedict Burke awarded Insurance Personality of th

ATLANTA, July 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crawford & Company, the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, congratulates Benedict Burke on receipt of the illustrious Insurance Personality of the Year award at the British Insurance Awards (BIA 2017).

Burke, who is chief client officer for Crawford’s international operations, received the prize at the BIA 2017 ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall in front of more than 2,000 insurance industry peers and colleagues.

“Few individuals are more passionate about our industry,” said Kieran Rigby, president, international operations at Crawford & Company. “Benedict’s entire career has been in the claims sector, helping build successful relationships in a dynamic global marketplace, always ensuring we remain relevant to our customers’ evolving needs. I believe, however, that it’s his selfless contribution to the industry that brings him this recognition.”

During his term as president of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), Burke worked tirelessly to advance new programs, including a diversity initiative, where he helped create the first diversity and inclusion charter. He also presented a public face for the insurance claims sector during challenging times for policyholders. In 2015 and 2016, he attended town hall meetings as CILA president to help people understand what was happening to their properties after major events like the flooding in Cumbria.

Burke also promoted the essential work by Flood Re, a levy and pool system in the United Kingdom, which at the time was fighting negative publicity over fears some homes would become uninsurable.

“Conscious that his work was not only to stand up for our industry but to listen to customers, Benedict took what he learned and presented it to members of Parliament,” said Rigby.

A seasoned campaigner, Burke also champions another important cause affecting society. In 2017, he played a key part in the creation of Insurance United Against Dementia, which is working to raise £10m for the Alzheimer’s Society, with the goal of curing this debilitating condition.

“Speaking on behalf of everyone at Crawford & Company, I congratulate Benedict on this well-deserved award for his positive contributions to the industry,” said Harsha V. Agadi, president and CEO of Crawford & Company. “Benedict has the unique ability to look at any scenario through the eyes of our clients and their policyholders, and I often ask colleagues to confer with him in order to make sure our services will meet the expectations of these key groups."

Burke commented that he is extremely humbled at receiving the award.

“I never forget that as claims professionals we are here to help people and businesses,” said Burke. “It underlines everything I do. However, I also want to thank my many colleagues and friends at Crawford for their support over the years who have enabled me to enjoy such a wonderful, fulfilling career.”

About Crawford® Based in Atlanta, Crawford & Company® (NYSE:CRD-A) (NYSE:CRD-B)  is the world's largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70 countries. The Crawford Solution™ offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration. More information is available at www.crawfordandcompany.com .

For more information please contact: Lynn Cufley/+44 207 2654067 Lynn.cufley@crawco.co.uk