Kraus-Anderson (KA) Insurance announced it will expand and re-brand its existing consulting practice formerly operated as Advanced Risk Managers to form Kraus-Anderson Risk Innovation, a new business expressly designed to advise its clients on operational and strategic risks.
To lead the new operation, the agency has hired insurance industry executive Seth Hausman as managing director. Hausman comes to Kraus-Anderson Risk Innovation from Zurich Insurance Company where for 25 years, he served in executive positions, including senior vice president, and COO of the firm’s construction division.
Kraus-Anderson Risk Innovation sees an opportunity where the dynamics of business growth, culture and risk intersect.
“In today’s uncertain world, businesses are looking for ways to grow, expand and maintain operational agility, while understanding the uncertainties that come with those decisions,” said Dennis Diessner, Kraus-Anderson Insurance’s executive vice president and COO. “Seth brings his experience and leadership to oversee our new business to help guide decisions that focus on people, process, technology, strategy and change management.”
Because of the agency’s deep and historic association with construction and real estate development, Kraus-Anderson Risk Innovation will work with clients in these sectors as well as with other firms seeking strategic growth and risk discipline. In addition, the new operation will utilize capabilities within the Kraus-Anderson family of companies.
“Examples of this type of risk management will include analyzing vulnerabilities in leadership, workflow management, technology implementation, digital strategy and risks associated with succession planning,” said Keith Burkhardt, vice president of business development for Kraus-Anderson Insurance.
Other advisory capabilities will include decision uncertainties, strategic plan risk evaluations, operational agility, fractional risk management and enterprise risk assessments.
Kraus-Anderson Insurance has enjoyed continued growth, including the completion of four strategic acquisitions in recent years, significantly increasing the agency’s market-leading set of risk management and surety capabilities and resources. In addition to the 2012 acquisition of Advanced Risk Managers, Kraus-Anderson Insurance in 2017 acquired the operations of Twin Cities-based Dennis J. Linder & Associates (DJL), a property and casualty agency uniquely focused on architectural and engineering firms. The company also acquired Minnesota Insurance Brokers in 2009 and Onyx Benefit Advisors in 2016.
Seth Hausman
Hausman’s executive leadership experience at Zurich Insurance Company featured underwriting, risk management and strategic planning for its industry-leading construction business in North America. He also led the redesign of complex technology and processes in diverse national business segments.
Hausman received his B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University. He is president of the board of the ACE Mentor Program of the Twin Cities and served on its National Leadership Advisory Group. He also is an alumni ambassador at Cornell University and has served on the Youth Commission of Beth-El Synagogue in St. Louis Park, Minn. Hausman has presented nationally on subjects including safety, risk management and mitigation.