Kurt Close has been promoted to chief operating officer for Valent Group, a subsidiary of EBSCO Industries providing risk consulting and insurance for businesses, employer benefit groups and individuals. Since joining in April of 2019, Close has focused on developing Valent’s Property & Casualty (P&C) practice including sales, broking and client service, and led P&C teams throughout the firm’s Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville and Decatur offices. As COO, Close will continue leading the P&C practice, while also providing operational support for Valent’s benefits and personal insurance practice areas.
Close came to Valent from Travelers Insurance, where he spent ten years leading Travelers’ Middle Market practice for Alabama and Mississippi. His unique experience in the insurance industry and in leadership roles will continue to help Valent’s clients “Experience the Difference.”