TIG-California Blue Shield Venture Names Underwriting Director

Innovus Integrated Benefit Services LLC has named Alan F. Thomas as its Director of Underwriting. Innovus, a joint venture between TIG Insurance Company and Blue Shield of California, is a provider of integrated and comprehensive healthcare coverage, workers' compensation and disability benefits to California employers.

Thomas was promoted from the position of Northern California Underwriting Manager, which he held since Innovus began operations two years ago. Prior to joining Innovus, Thomas held the positions of Senior Production Underwriter and Commercial Lines Underwriter for TIG and Sentry Insurance Company, respectively. He is a graduate in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and a resident of Moraga, CA.

Stan Lopata, Innovus' president and CEO, says Thomas, "has expertise in both benefits and workers' compensation underwriting, and has been integral to the early success and steady growth of Innovus.''

Innovus began operations in June of 1996 and has grown to $35 million in in-force premiums, over 325 business accounts, and 19,500 lives covered. It has received endorsements from the California Manufacturers Association, the California Bottled Water Association, the California Independent Oil Marketers Association, and the California Credit Union League. Innovus moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Concord in January to accommodate its continued growth.

Innovus' workers' compensation is underwritten by TIG Insurance Company or one of its licensed subsidiaries or affiliates, and the health care plan is provided by Blue Shield of California. Life and long-term disability are underwritten by CPIC Life Insurance Company.