WILMINGTON, DE — Global Indemnity Group LLC (Nasdaq: GBLI) appointed former insurance executive Jessica Buss to its board of directors effective October 26, bringing underwriting and specialty insurance experience to the company’s oversight as it expands its excess and surplus lines business and introduces new technology initiatives.
Buss succeeds Bruce Lederman, who retired after serving two tenures on the board, beginning in 2015. Lederman most recently chaired Global Indemnity’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee.
The appointment adds an executive with experience in insurance underwriting, distribution, acquisitions and financial management as Global Indemnity develops its Kaleidoscope technology platform and pursues growth in specialty insurance markets.
Buss previously served as chief executive officer of GuideOne Insurance, Argo Group and Open Lending.
During her tenure at GuideOne, premiums increased from approximately $400 million to more than $1 billion, including the development of a $400 million excess and surplus lines business.
Her earlier experience includes serving as chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Rockhill Insurance, where she helped oversee the company’s sale to State Auto at a valuation exceeding twice its book value.
Following that transaction, Buss led State Auto’s $1.5 billion commercial and specialty insurance division.
At Open Lending, she served as board chair and chaired the audit committee before becoming chief executive officer.
Buss is a certified public accountant and holds a directorship certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Global Indemnity Chairman Saul Fox cited her underwriting experience and industry relationships as important to the company’s expansion plans.
“She brings deep expertise in underwriting and excess and surplus lines, along with significant distribution relationships across the market,” Fox stated.
Fox, who founded Global Indemnity, also serves as founder and chief executive officer of Fox Paine & Company, whose affiliate is the insurer’s largest shareholder.
Global Indemnity operates as a specialty and surplus lines insurer, serving markets that often require coverage outside conventional insurance offerings.
The company is introducing its Kaleidoscope technology platform alongside other initiatives intended to support its insurance operations and growth strategy.
Buss will join the board as Global Indemnity pursues those initiatives while maintaining oversight of underwriting and enterprise risk.
“I look forward to working with Saul, my fellow directors and the management team and to helping GBLI manage risk thoughtfully as it grows,” Buss stated.
Lederman’s departure also marks a transition in the board’s risk oversight experience. His service included leadership of the committee responsible for enterprise risk management.
The appointment positions Buss to contribute to Global Indemnity’s strategic and risk oversight as the insurer develops its technology capabilities and specialty insurance operations.
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