Assurex Global, the world’s largest privately held insurance and employee benefits brokerage group, has named Seacrest Partners, Inc. as its newest shareholder. With the addition of Seacrest Partners, Assurex Global now has 104 member firms in its worldwide network serving clients in six continents. 

“The growing global needs of our client base require that we continue to expand our international expertise,” said David Paddison, president of Seacrest Partners. “Assurex Global’s worldwide focus offers the multinational perspective and comprehensive insight that meets our clients’ needs in an ever changing world. Our firm was founded on the concept of providing unmatched client service and using the latest technologies that maximize accessibility to those we are serving. For 60 years, Assurex Global has been about unparalleled client service, and we are proud to join the partnership.” 

“Since 1954 Assurex Global has been a partnership of industry leaders in insurance and employee benefits,” said Jim Hackbarth, Assurex Global president and CEO. “Seacrest Partners has established itself as one of the elite brokerages in the United States and has a significant international presence. Under the leadership of David Paddison, Seacrest Partners represents the quality and commitment to client service that is symbolic of Assurex Global. As a result of that commitment, Seacrest has experienced phenomenal growth. Our shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of adding Seacrest Partners. We are extremely pleased to add their expertise as a partner and look forward to their contributions.”

Seacrest Partners was established in Savannah, Georgia in 2006 when a group of experienced insurance professionals came together to form a “boutique” brokerage firm offering customized insurance brokerage and benefits consulting services. Founded on the vision of creating an organization where clients are served in high-tech and high-touch environment, Seacrest Partners quickly became the dominant insurance broker in the Savannah market, representing a number of the area’s largest employers. That growth led to a 2009 expansion to Atlanta, which in turn led Seacrest Partners to a 2010 merger with Atlanta-based Corporate Insurance Services, Inc. Continued growth drove expansion into Hilton Head, South Carolina, in 2014.

Seacrest Partners associates average more than 20 years of insurance industry experience, which helps them serve as advisors to middle market and large commercial clients whose operations include worldwide locations. The staff specializes in key industry sectors including health care, education, construction, real estate development and manufacturing. A major strength of Seacrest Partners is its associates, a diverse group of professionals with backgrounds in employee benefits and risk management consulting; underwriting; claims management; surety bonding and retail insurance brokerage.