Organizational Changes Announced by Holmes Murphy & Associates®; Kevin Knutson Assumes Key Leadership Role
DES MOINES, Iowa, August 11, 2008 — Senior Vice President Kevin Knutson will assume sole responsibility for directing the sales, operations and profit plan of all Holmes Murphy & Associates’ divisions in Eastern Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Knutson was previously division leader of the Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities offices with Jason Hellickson, who has assumed new executive responsibilities at Holmes Murphy’s corporate headquarters in Des Moines.
Knutson started with Holmes Murphy in 1986 as an intern and has held numerous sales and leadership positions with the organization. After working at the Des Moines headquarters for 15 years, Knutson was promoted to division leader of the agency’s Eastern Iowa Division in 2003. That same year, he became a shareholder; formalizing his commitment to the company he has helped grow to one of the nation’s top 28 agencies. Knutson specializes in serving clients whose business is construction, manufacturing, agriculture and law.
“Kevin is a proactive thinker who provides innovative solutions to our clients and is an invaluable leader within the company,” said Jim Swift, President and CEO of Holmes Murphy & Associates. “I am pleased to have Kevin step up to a larger role. His leadership abilities, industry experience and expertise will help Holmes Murphy protect and grow our customers’ businesses.”
“For the past 5½ years I have had the privilege of working closely with Kevin and seeing first hand how he has successfully guided and directed our divisions,” said Jason Hellickson, Executive Vice President of Holmes Murphy & Associates. “I am confident in his new role he will ensure customers will receive the highest quality and lowest cost risk management solutions.”
Knutson is involved is several charitable organizations in the Cedar Rapids area, including serving on the boards of directors for the Prairie Foundation and United Way of Eastern Central Iowa. In addition, he enjoys coaching his children’s sports activities.
About Holmes Murphy
Founded in 1932, Holmes Murphy & Associates, an independent insurance brokerage, is ranked 24 among America’s top 100 brokers. Holmes Murphy has offices in Des Moines, Davenport and Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Denver, Colo.; Dallas, Texas; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; St. Louis, Mo.; Madison, Wis.; Peoria, Ill.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Sioux Falls, S.D. Holmes Murphy serves business and industry leaders throughout the Midwest and across the nation in the areas of property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, captive insurance, risk management, loss control and financial services.