FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (February 17, 2017) - MHG Insurance Brokers has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida for the second year in a row. This program is conducted by the South Florida Business Journal, and honors the area’s leading employers that go above and beyond to create an enjoyable and meaningful work environment for employees.

Companies are judged based on the results of an employee survey which evaluates qualities such as retention, engagement, leadership and more. Results of the survey are then submitted to Quantum Workplace for analysis. Employees were encouraged to answer freely as all answers remain anonymous.

“Being named one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida is something that we love to be recognized for!” said Sheree Lynch, MHG Operations Director. “The greatest asset any company has is its staff and we work diligently to make the working culture of MHG a priority. We genuinely care about our team, so it’s very flattering to be recognized by such a prestigious publication with other top companies in our community.”

While many of the companies in attendance had similar benefits or characteristics that made them worthy of the honor of being a Best Places to Work in South Florida, there were some benefits that MHG offers that stood out from the rest. They include its family atmosphere, excellent health insurance that is 100% funded by the company, flexibility, 401k matching, and MHG’s entrepreneurial spirit which encourages employees to present new opportunities and initiatives for the company.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Since 1991, MHG Insurance Brokers has been committed to providing expert insurance advice and innovative solutions for the marine, aviation, energy and related industries. Today, with over two decades of experience and relationships with some of the world’s top insurance markets, MHG has established an enviable reputation for providing quality advice, products and service for groups, businesses and individuals around the world. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida MHG has insurance specialists worldwide, with offices in Isle of Man, the Cote d’Azur and Hamburg. For more information, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (February 21, 2017) – MHG Insurance announced today that Conor Hayes has joined the company’s Property & Casualty Division as a Senior Broker. He has the additional mandate of leading the company’s efforts to develop its existing book of ocean marine business. As MHG continues to expand upon its capabilities in these sectors of the insurance industry, Hayes possesses a wealth of experience, having worked as an insurance broker in the U.S., Caribbean, and U.K.

Hayes comes to MHG from a very technical background with numerous insurance-specific qualifications and brings particular expertise in blue water marine, commercial property and professional risks. Most recently, he was the Regional Vice President of a local insurance brokerage where he developed and managed a diverse book of business comprising of both marine and non-marine clients, which followed him to MHG.

“Conor has longstanding relationships with many important domestic P&C and Ocean Marine underwriters” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s CEO. “With his addition to our existing P&C team, we look forward to using these relationships as a platform to write a lot more business by also taking advantage of MHG’s executive level connections in the cruise industry. We will be specifically targeting domestic manufacturing companies, the marine trades and tour & excursion operators, both in the Caribbean and worldwide.”

Hayes is also one of the founding members and current Vice President of the South Florida Irish American Chamber of Commerce (SFIACC). It is the first organization of its type in the region that is dedicated to promoting trade and commerce between the Irish communities in the tri-county area and with the island of Ireland.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through our extensive relationships with international underwriters, we offer a comprehensive suite of products including Employee Benefits, Risk Mitigation programs, Property & Casualty insurance and Financial Services all of which are supported by a client-focused approach. In the marine community, MHG is globally recognized for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and for developing bespoke MLC aligned insurance solutions for maritime employers. On the domestic front, we provide group and individual employee benefits along with expert advice on key federal statutes such as the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the wide array of services that our company offers, please visit mhginsurance.com

In case you haven’t heard, MHG is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! Can you remember when you turned 25? You probably felt like time had flown by, and yet you were still ready to take on the world, which is exactly how we feel! A lot goes into a business achieving and maintaining success, so this year we are toasting to 25 years of excellence. Reaching this milestone is no small feat, so join us for a stroll down memory lane as we remember how MHG first began, where we are today, and the next 25 years. After all, you can’t know where you are going until you recall where you have been.

Company History

MHG was launched in 1991 in Miami, Florida when founders Andrew Dudzinski and John Haagensen saw that due to industry growth and ensuing competitive pressures, cruise lines needed new ways to attract and retain their officers and crew. Andrew, with particular expertise in expatriate insurance programs and John, a former seafarer and practicing insurance agent, saw the solution in creating and providing customized marine employee benefit plans. Andrew and John combined their extensive experience and contacts to convince the industry that marine crew are better motivated, remain more loyal, and work more safely when a benefit plan is provided as part of an employment package. While hesitant at first, the cruise lines listened and soon benefit plans were implemented by many lines and in due course by other marine industry sectors, such as luxury yachts and commercial shipping. As a result, a growing number of marine crew and their families are now able to enjoy the benefits of health, disability and life insurance plans and at the same time, marine industry employers have gained new and valuable attraction and retention incentives.

MHG Insurance Brokers is now recognized in the marine industry as a unique resource for developing innovative crew insurance programs for the world’s leading cruise lines, prestigious luxury yachts and other shipping and marine businesses around the globe. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, MHG has offices and representation in the Isle of Man, London, Hamburg, Monaco and Houston to better serve clients and support the continued development, acquisition and servicing of marine clients on both sides of the Atlantic.

Throughout the years, MHG has seen fit to expand its portfolio of products outside the marine industry but has always remained focused on its core business in providing crew insurance advice and solutions for vessel owners, operators, management companies, captains and crew worldwide. Today, MHG counts as its clients a total of 18 cruise lines, representing some 40% of the most prominent lines and more than 450 luxury yachts, including 20% of the world’s 200 largest yachts.

The Next 25 Years

While MHG has successfully introduced and encouraged the industry to adopt customized benefits for people working at sea, our work is not done. MHG will continue to be at the forefront of developing and implementing a full range of innovative benefit and welfare incentives and risk management solutions, all designed specifically for the marine industry and making the industry a better place to work and live.

Let’s raise a glass to the next 25!

Here at MHG Insurance Brokers, we offer a variety of different insurance solutions for many areas of business. From yacht crew insurance, to general liability and marine general liability coverage, individual and group health insurance, even life insurance, we offer a number of products to cover you, your family, or business. To see some advice directly from our team of insurance professionals, read our previous blog, “ If You Could Give One Piece of Advice to Your Clients, What Would It Be? ” If you are interested in purchasing marine crew insurance , contact us at mhginsurance.com or call us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to guide you to the best coverage for your budget, and can also assist you with any insurance questions you may have.

DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (September 15, 2016) – MHG Insurance announced today that Emma Bell has joined the company’s European office as Underwriting and Claims Assistant, reducing response times for new proposals and claims enquiries.

Bell joins MHG with an extensive background in the insurance and financial industries, having worked for various insurance companies in a number of different positions. Most recently, Bell worked as an Underwriting Support Technician where she performed risk management assignments, maintained records, and supported upper level management with allocation of tasks.

“We are lucky to have someone of Emma’s experience and skillset to join our team.” said Cathy Lane, Director of European Operations for MHG’s Isle of Man office. “Emma’s career in the insurance industry is what we need in order to expand our business and offer more support for our clients. We are eager for her to hit the ground running, and we are certain that she will be a perfect fit for the company.”

MHG’s Isle of Man office opened in 2009 with a remit to capitalise on opportunities from within the yacht sector as well as increasing the licensing reach of MHG globally. To date, the Isle of Man office is responsible for obtaining and administering over 35% of all business for the company’s Yacht Division.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (September 8, 2016) – MHG Insurance announced today that Sherry Wertz has joined the company’s Cruise Division as Administration Manager. Wertz will provide administrative and customer service support to cruise clients while working closely with the Division Manager and Claims Specialist, further developing business relations.

Wertz joins MHG with a tremendous amount of cruise industry experience having worked in various positions both ashore and on board. Most recently, Wertz worked as Senior HR Manager for a staffing company handling crew appointments for some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

“We have been looking for someone of Sherry’s caliber for quite some time to fill this newly created position.” said Edward “Mole” Telfer, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Sherry’s career in the cruise industry combined with her management background are exactly what we need to further the capabilities of the cruise division. I’m very happy to welcome her to the team.”

As MHG celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company continues to be at the forefront of developing insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. Most recently, the Insurance Specialists at MHG identified a potential liability risk for cruise line operators and designed a liability plan to fill the gap in coverage.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (May 3, 2016) - MHG Insurance, a full-service insurance brokerage serving the marine industry, businesses, and groups and individuals around the world, has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida by the South Florida Business Journal, a program that celebrates excellence and employee satisfaction in the workplace.

Results were based on a survey evaluating ten areas of engagement, including employee benefits and recognition, leadership, turnover, employee and leadership management and more. Results of the survey were submitted to Quantum Workplace for analysis. Employees were encouraged to answer freely as all answers remain anonymous.

“What an honor to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in South Florida!” said Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO of MHG Insurance. “John (Haagensen, President of MHG) and I have made the working culture of MHG a priority for a long time, so it’s very flattering to be recognized by such a prestigious publication with other top companies in our community.”

Many of the companies in attendance had similar benefits or characteristics that made them worthy of the honor of being a Best Places to Work in South Florida. Some characteristics that made MHG stand out are its family atmosphere, excellent benefits that are 100% funded by the company, flexibility, and MHG’s entrepreneurial spirit which encourages employees to present new opportunities and initiatives for the company.

About MHG Insurance

Since 1991, MHG Insurance has been committed to providing expert insurance advice and innovative solutions for the marine, aviation, energy and related industries. Today, with over two decades of experience and relationships with some of the world’s top insurance markets, MHG has established an enviable reputation for providing quality advice, products and service for groups, businesses and individuals around the world. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida MHG has insurance specialists worldwide, with offices in Houston, Isle of Man, the Cote d’Azur and Hamburg. For more information, please visit mhginsurance.com MHG Ocean Benefits Limited, trading as MHG Ocean Benefits, MHG Insurance and MHG Underwriting Services, is registered with the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority as an insurance intermediary in respect of General Business. Registered in the Isle of Man, company number: 120885C.

Fort Lauderdale (December 10, 2015) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Kelly Morris has joined the company as Claims Specialist. Morris will be part of the claims team, based in the US, extending MHG’s claims support capabilities across 3 time zones. Her primary focus will be on claims support for international health policies.

Morris joins MHG Insurance Brokers with over 12 years of international insurance experience. Throughout her insurance career at International Medical Group (IMG) she has had several responsibilities from sorting mail in the missionary claims department in her early days to becoming the primary sales service contact for mission, marine and Bahamian brokers, who represented over $25 million in annual premiums.

The Isle of Man Maritime Group is hosting an evening reception during London International Shipping Week 2015 at historic Trinity House. LISW is one of the highlights of the maritime calendar with more than 100 industry events taking place in London from September 7-11. It is aimed at the movers and shakers from the international shipping and superyacht community. 

As official sponsors of LISW 2015, the Isle of Man Maritime Group’s “Nautical by Nature” event on September 8 will lead guests on a journey through the Island’s rich seafaring heritage to its current position of maritime centre of excellence.  Manx actors and musicians will bring to life the legacy of the Vikings; introduce the ringleaders of the Mutiny on the Bounty; remember the courage of Captain John Quilliam who was First Lieutenant on HMS Victory and set the scene for the inspiration of Sir William Hilary, who founded the RNLI. 

The music and drama will be showcased in the historic surroundings of Trinity House, the remarkable 18^th Century headquarters of the Corporation of Trinity House, which has maintained British lighthouses since the 16^th Century. Guests will be met by Isle of Man’s own sea cadets and guided up the grand, sweeping staircase to a reception on the first floor. All the rooms will be open to guests including the Pepys Room, the library and the reading room. 

Isle of Man Maritime Group Chairman, Bruce McGregor said: “LISW is the ideal opportunity for us to promote the wealth of maritime services and experience delivered on the Isle of Man. This event will celebrate our rich seafaring tradition and how we have evolved into a modern, technically astute global centre of excellence.” 

Guests at the reception will be able to meet representatives from the Isle of Man Maritime Group including the IOM Ship Registry; IOM Shipping Association; IOM Superyacht Forum KPMG; Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Isle of Man); Döhle (IOM) Group of Companies; PDMS Maritime; Simcocks Advocates; MHG Insurance Brokers; Affinity Management Services and InterManager. To register for the event please visit the group’s website at www.iom-maritime.com or contact the group at enquiries@iom-maritime.com If you would like speak to someone from the group in more detail please contact Bruce McGregor on +44 (0) 1624 664000.

LISW 

LISW will be the ‘must attend’ event of 2015, offering over 100 industry functions and unique networking opportunities for leaders across all sectors of the international shipping industry – regulators, charterers, ship owners, ship managers, bunker suppliers, lawyers, ship brokers, bankers, insurers, insurance brokers, commodity traders and brokers, ship suppliers, port operators, shipping service providers and many more. The UK is the leading centre worldwide for the supply of a broad range of professional and business services to the international maritime community, accounting for 21per cent of premiums in international marine insurance, over $64bn in committed ship finance (or 15per cent of the world loan book) and it has the largest concentration of legal service firms specialising in the sector.  London is also the predominant supplier of shipbroking services worldwide and is the major player when it comes to maritime dispute resolution. London is also home to the second biggest port in the UK. For more information, please visit www.londoninternationalshippingweek.com

Fort Lauderdale (May 11, 2015) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Jeff Martin has joined the company as a Programmer. Martin will focus his efforts on streamlining certain administrative tasks in the company’s Customer Relationship Management system in addition to building customized client web portals and landing pages. Martin has had an award winning career, spanning over 20 years. Prior to MHG, Martin worked for multiple insurance carriers in addition to consulting work.

“Jeff has a wealth of experience in numerous programming languages and applications” said Kevin Knorr, IT Director at MHG Insurance Brokers. “As MHG continues to grow along with our IT needs, it’s good to have his capabilities in-house.”

MHG Insurance Brokers has had the pleasure of providing insurance advice and solutions to thousands of clients around the world. As MHG approaches its 25^th year, the company continues to evolve and grow with the changing and diverse needs of clients, both on land and at sea.

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S. MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (April 10, 2015) – MHG Services, Inc. today announced that it has sold its holdings in VIKAND to Peter Hult, President of VIKAND, effective March 31^st, 2015. Hult has simultaneously given up all responsibilities within the MHG Group of companies, including his position as Executive Vice President at MHG Services, Inc. and as a Director of MHG Associates Ltd. MHG founding partners, Andrew Dudzinski, Chairman and CEO, and John Haagensen, President, continue to lead MHG together with a key management team while Dr. Bill Heymann, Medical Director of VIKAND, and Hult have become the majority shareholders of VIKAND.  

“The decision to separate the companies was a difficult one to make” said MHG Chairman and CEO, Andrew Dudzinski. “MHG and VIKAND are both rapidly growing and in order for both companies to continue to expand, we found it necessary to spin-off VIKAND from MHG’s insurance business. We are very pleased to have played a key role as founders in the creation and development of VIKAND and wish Peter and his team great success.”

“I am very excited to embark on this path and for VIKAND to continue to develop new medical services” said VIKAND President, Peter Hult. “At the same time, I am leaving with some sadness after having worked closely with Andrew, John and MHG since 2002. We will continue to have a close relationship with MHG and support each other’s operations, common clients and business partners.” 

MHG has been providing insurance advice and solutions to the marine and aviation industries, international and local business groups and individuals since 1991 and has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Isle of Man, Hamburg and the Cote d’Azur. 

About MHG Insurance Brokers 

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S. MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

About VIKAND 

VIKAND is the leading provider of medical management and consulting services to the cruise industry and today provides consulting, management, medical equipment calibration and audit contracts to almost 60 cruise ships globally. VIKAND’s services range from full management of medical facilities to individual consulting and services modules, including formulary and bio-medical equipment management, Pre-Employment Medical Examination advice and support, marine employee wellness programs, Public Heath support and regulatory guidance. VIKAND’s team has extensive experience in the medical field, as well as the marine industry. VIKAND offers flexible medical services tailored to the clients’ unique requirements, managed by a world-class, medical team who offer a 24/7 on-call service to clients. For more information about VIKAND and the services they provide, please visit vikand.com.