Cooper Gay & Cashman and Cooper Gay have appointed James Brost as executive vice president of the newly formed Cooper Gay & Cashman unit based in Minneapolis.

Brost was previously vice chairman of Collins, Minneapolis, a company that he co-founded in 1987. Before then he was at EW Blanch Holdings, the Minneapolis-based risk management and global reinsurance broker.

Cooper Gay & Cashman chief executive Michael Cashman said of Brost: “He is a tremendous addition to our company as a leader and reinsurance professional.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.