Hylant Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Drive Growth and Service Excellence

Toledo, OH November 19, 2025 - Hylant, one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage firms in the United States, today announced key leadership appointments designed to accelerate growth, strengthen innovation, and enhance client service.

Tony Packo, former Chief Strategy Officer, has been named Executive Vice President, working closely with CEO Bubba Berenzweig to ensure strategic decisions align with the family’s sustainability goals and cultural vision.

Pat McDaniel has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer, leading enterprise-wide initiatives to position Hylant for long-term success. With twelve years at Hylant, Pat has overseen critical areas including Hylant Administrative Services, M&A and Transaction Solutions, and Executive Risk and Cyber Practices.

Andrew Kurt, reporting to Pat McDaniel, now serves as President, Financial Lines, focusing on expanding executive risk solutions and developing new risk management services for the financial services industry.

Clay Jennings steps into the role of Chief Revenue Officer, responsible for driving top-line growth and aligning retention strategies. With nearly three decades at Hylant, Clay’s deep industry expertise positions him to lead this critical function.

Anne Marie Towle, has assumed the leadership of Hylant Consulting, which includes analytics, business risk consulting, captive management, M&A and transaction solutions, and outsourced consulting services. Through the expansion of consulting services, we are positioned to help clients proactively manage risk, optimize transactions and scale effectively.

Kip Irle, President, and Joe Wieligman, COO, are aligned to help lead the expansion of Hylant’s consulting division alongside Anne Marie and team.

Dave Norris has been appointed CEO of the Great Lakes Region, where he will lead operations and growth initiatives across key Midwest markets. Known for his passion for coaching and mentoring, Dave will focus on developing sales talent.

Shannon Orr has been promoted to Associate COO, a newly created role working closely with Chief Operating Officer Joe Herman to advance service excellence across the organization. Shannon will play a pivotal role in aligning operations across the organization, fostering strategic partnerships, and enabling technology-driven solutions that elevate performance and client experience.

Jamie Heldt will take on a new leadership role as we expand our footprint further into North and South Carolina. Be on the lookout for additional information in the coming days from Brian Boone and Chris Godley.

Michael Maitland was recently promoted to Managing Director, of the new Strategic Risk Advisory Vertical, a vertical designed to support complex commercial insurance and risk management clients.

These changes come at a pivotal time for Hylant. Over the past three years, the company has achieved record-breaking sales velocity, with organic growth exceeding 10%. As Hylant sets its sights nearly doubling in size over the next decade, it remains committed to its identity as a family-owned business dedicated to clients, employees, and communities.

“Our people are the foundation of our success,” said CEO, Bubba Berenzweig, “These appointments reflect the exceptional talent within Hylant and our unwavering commitment to delivering value and service as we grow.”

For more information about Hylant and its leadership team, visit www.hylant.com.

About Hylant

Hylant is among the largest privately held insurance brokers in the United States, renowned for both expertise and high-touch service. Since 1935, Hylant has helped clients identify and address risk-related challenges before they become unmanageable by delivering solutions unique to their circumstances.

Hylant offers comprehensive risk management consultation, alternative risk financing services, business insurance brokerage, employee benefits brokerage and consultation, small business insurance and personal insurance services. Hylant provides solutions locally, nationally, and internationally.