Topa Names New COO

Boutique property-casualty insurer Topa Insurance Group has announced the promotion of Denise Pavlov (pictured) to senior vice president and chief operating officer.

Pavlov joined the company in 2018 as senior vice president and chief underwriting officer. In that role, she oversaw underwriting, products, program development, marketing and human resources. Pavlov restructured the human resources department and added compliance to better support the company, its employees and business needs. She also introduced the company’s new commercial package program, Topa Premier Commercial Insurance. 

“During my time on the Topa Insurance Group board, I have had the pleasure of watching Denise further the progress of Topa’s risk selection, rating and program selection,” said Michael Day, president and CEO of Topa Insurance Group. “Denise has contributed immensely to improving Topa’s underwriting structure.”

In her new role, Pavlov will continue to pursue improvements in Topa’s underwriting, products, program development, marketing and human resources, and will now oversee claims.

Pavlov has more than 35 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Topa, she held positions at Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance, GMAC Insurance, the California State Automobile Association, and Western United Insurance Company. She also previously worked as a consultant for Topa in underwriting and its new systems program.

“I look forward to this new role, and the continued growth and opportunity to lead and collaborate with our department heads,” Pavlov said. “I am especially excited to work with our talented claims team, and I intend to utilize their talent to enhance our overall results. As we enter a new year, our company is focused on continuing to improve our results and efficiencies, and I look forward to working with our teams to accomplish just that.”