Walter Grote

As chief underwriting officer, Walter oversees Coverys' underwriting strategy, portfolio management, and risk selection initiatives. He brings more than 35 years of property and casualty insurance experience, with a proven track record of building high-performing underwriting organizations and driving profitable growth.

Prior to joining Coverys in 2026, Walter most recently served as chief underwriting officer and regional president for Bridge Specialty Group, the wholesale division of Brown & Brown. In that role, he led underwriting strategy across a $2 billion wholesale binding portfolio and oversaw a multi-business region generating approximately $600 million in annual gross written premium.

Earlier in his career, Walter held senior leadership positions with QBE, Allianz, Fireman’s Fund, and Travelers, including chief underwriting officer and chief operating officer for Travelers’ Middle Market and Commercial Accounts division. His experience spans commercial insurance, professional liability, management liability, surety, personal lines, wholesale and MGA operations, and specialty markets.

Walter received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance and marketing from the University of Richmond and has earned the CPCU and AFSB professional designations. He has also served in leadership roles with the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS).