Merchants Insurance Group welcomes Benjamin Walden, new Vice President, Chief Actuary

Benjamin (Ben) Walden has joined Merchants Insurance Group as the company’s new Vice President, Chief Actuary at the corporate headquarters in Buffalo, New York.

Mr. Walden joins Merchants with 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, beginning as an actuarial analyst with CIGNA Companies and then as an actuarial lead consultant with Milliman Inc. in Garden City, New York. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in the property and casualty insurance business, working in various corporate environments such as large multi-line carriers, start-ups, small and regional carriers, and consulting firms.

“Ben is a highly tenured actuarial professional with significant expertise in our business,” said Charles Makey, Merchants Insurance Group President. “I am thrilled he has elected to join our talented Merchants team.”

Prior to joining Merchants, Mr. Walden worked most recently as the founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Actuary of a digital insurance agency. Previously, he held Chief Actuary positions with Kingstone Insurance Company, Interboro Insurance Group and AutoOne Insurance, a previous division of OneBeacon.

“Ben brings a wealth of property and casualty insurance knowledge and experience to our Actuarial team and our company,” said Christine Schmitt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Merchants Insurance Group. “I am confident he will have a favorable impact on Merchants and am very happy to have him aboard.”

Mr. Walden earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and a licensed property and casualty insurance agent in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a well-respected company as Merchants,” Walden said. “I look forward to helping Merchants continue to build upon their stellar reputation and position as one of the leading insurers in the U.S.”

In his spare time, Ben enjoys hiking, sailing, and running. He has completed four marathons, including the New York City Marathon. Currently, he resides in Centerport, New York.