(HAMPTON ROADS, VA – November 9, 2017) – Core Assurance Partners, a newly formed insurance and risk management firm based in Hampton Roads, offers innovative and tailored insurance and risk management solutions to businesses across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. Launched by a team of insurance entrepreneurs with decades of global industry experience, the privately held firm is expanding its core competencies across dynamic industries, building on specialized expertise in the real estate, construction, and maritime industries.

Core Assurance Partners is led by insurance executives W. Douglas Russell, President, and Zachary F. Brandau, Executive Vice President, each of whom brings considerable experience to Core Assurance following successful careers with the Rutherfoord Division of Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) in Hampton Roads. “Core Assurance has a mission to deliver superior expertise, quality, and results for our clients through innovation and collaboration,” said Russell, “employing the finest resources available along with the most respected and recognized insurance companies in our industry.”

Russell has spent a majority of his more than 30 years in the insurance industry in leadership positions, including 12 years with Rutherfoord/MMA, most recently as Executive Vice President and Managing Director in Hampton Roads. There, he served on the company’s President’s Council, numerous national advisory boards, and was responsible for the oversight and management of insurance company relationships across the Mid-Atlantic.

Brandau was formerly a Senior Vice President with Rutherfoord/MMA in Hampton Roads where he also co-chaired the company’s National Real Estate Practice. He is respected throughout the insurance and real estate industries for his insight and analytical approach in the design and implementation of complex insurance and risk management programs for domestic and international real estate clients. Brandau will lead daily operations at Core Assurance Partners.

“Being a private company gives us the freedom to do things differently, to be good corporate citizens, and ultimately, challenge the status quo,” says Brandau. “We offer clients the intellectual capital, industry leading technology, and deep industry experience needed to support their businesses.”

Russell adds, “The industry is excited about what we are building and it’s reflected in the experienced staff already on board. Core Assurance is committed to identifying and hiring the best and brightest professionals in the business. Empowered and motivated employees have a vested interest in driving best in class corporate culture and unparalleled service for our clients.”

Core Assurance Partners has attracted the backing of insurance entrepreneur Thomas D. Rutherfoord, Jr., retired Chairman and CEO of successful insurance broker Rutherfoord which became part of Marsh & McLennan in 2010. “I’m anticipating significant changes in the insurance industry in the coming years,” Rutherfoord said, “and I see a real opportunity for the nimble and client-centric brokerage model that Core Assurance embraces.”