WELLESLEY, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Renaissance Alliance Insurance Services, New England's premier network of specialty services for independent insurance agencies, has named Michael R. Christiansen to the position of Managing Director, Strategic Business Development. In this role, Christiansen will harness his more than three decades of executive experience in the insurance industry to work with RAIS management and business development teams on a wide range of strategic initiatives.

In making the announcement, Bruce Cochrane, President of Renaissance Alliance, states "We’re very fortunate in having Mike join our Renaissance team. He has held executive roles in several of the region’s most prestigious insurance companies. The breadth and depth of his experience is extremely impressive and he’s one of the most highly respected professionals in the New England insurance community. He will be a valuable asset to all our strategic relationships."

Prior to this appointment, Christiansen most recently served as Regional President, Northeast Region, Business Insurance at Liberty Mutual, where he was responsible for $1.1 billion in direct written premium in small and middle market commercial lines for the New England states, New Jersey and New York. In this role, he managed six regional offices and 475 employees.

In his tenure at Liberty, he served in various executive roles throughout the region. His experience also encompasses having served in numerous executive roles, including President for Peerless Insurance, Keene, NH and Regional President of Hanover Insurance Group, Worcester, Mass. He began his career in Commercial Lines marketing at the (former) Kemper Group.

Christiansen holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, a BA Economics from Denison University, Granville Ohio and completion of an Advanced Executive Education Program, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He currently holds the designations of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

About Renaissance Alliance

Renaissance Alliance is a coalition of independent agencies, insurers, and service providers who work together to deliver "Best in Business" insurance services and products to personal and commercial insureds throughout New England. Headquartered in Wellesley, MA, Renaissance Alliance enables insurance agencies with the market differentiation, tools and time to maximize sales, profits and equity.