W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) today announced the appointment of Jared E. Abbey as senior vice president – corporate strategy and development. The appointment is effective immediately.

Mr. Abbey has nearly 20 years of experience as an investment banker focused on the insurance sector, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, strategic transactions, corporate restructuring and capital-raising. He most recently served as managing director and co-head of North American insurance investment banking at Morgan Stanley. Mr. Abbey earned a B.A. in mathematics and economics from Dartmouth College.

In making the announcement, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased to welcome Jared to our corporate team. He brings a wealth of experience and capabilities to the organization that will add breadth to our financial team and will provide a meaningful contribution to the Company in the future."

For further information about W. R. Berkley Corporation, please visit www.wrberkley.com.

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property casualty insurance business: Insurance and Reinsurance.