William R. Berkley, born in 1946, is a finance expert who graduated from the University of Connecticut. He founded W.R. Berkley Corporation in 1967, and he served as CEO until 2015, when he became the Executive Chairman. Berkley's leadership style...
William R. Berkley, born in 1946, is a finance expert who graduated from the University of Connecticut. He founded W.R. Berkley Corporation in 1967, and he served as CEO until 2015, when he became the Executive Chairman. Berkley's leadership style is centered around long-term performance and aligning interests with shareholders. Under his guidance, the company saw significant growth, and he remains the largest shareholder with about 20% of company stock. His compensation reflects this focus on performance, with much of his pay tied to the company’s success over the years, peaking at over $19 million in 2014. He has been through cycles of strong performance and tougher years, adapting as needed. He shows a keen understanding of the insurance industry and is known for his hands-on approach to risk management, which is crucial for his company in the property casualty sector. Interestingly, though he stepped back from the CEO role, his influence continues to shape company strategy as he focuses on the board's governance.