Merchants Insurance Group Appoints Brett Eater as Vice President of Underwriting

Merchants Insurance Group Appoints Brett Eater as Vice President of Underwriting

Merchants Insurance Group, a Super Regional Property Casualty Company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Eater as Vice President of Underwriting, effective June 2025. In this key leadership role, Eater will be responsible for overseeing underwriting strategy, driving portfolio performance, and strengthening risk assessment processes across the organization.

Brett Eater brings over 25 years of experience in underwriting and risk management, having held senior positions at prior top Property Casualty companies. Known for his deep technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership style, Eater will play a critical role in advancing Merchants’ commitment to disciplined growth and operational excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brett to our executive team,” said Charles E. Makey, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchants Insurance Group. “He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of underwriting excellence that will support our long-term goals and enhance the value we provide to our clients and partners.”

Prior to joining Merchants Insurance, Eater served as Chief Underwriting Officer at CM Regent, where he led high-performing teams, implemented data-driven risk strategies, and contributed to significant business growth.

“Merchants has a strong reputation for underwriting and agency partnerships, and I look forward to contributing to our growth and profitability,” said Eater. “I’m excited to work alongside a talented team to drive strategic underwriting performance, support our regional operations, and deliver exceptional value to our policyholders and agency partners.”

Mr. Eater earned his Bachelor of Arts in management from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and his Master of Science in leadership and information technology at Duquesne University, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also holds an Associate in Commercial Underwriting from the Insurance Institute of America and designations as a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist from the International Risk Management Institute and Agribusiness and Farm Institute Specialist from the International Risk Management Institute.

In his spare time, Mr. Eater enjoys playing golf, barbecuing, and attending his daughter’s volleyball games and son’s football and lacrosse games with his wife.