W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) announced the formation of Berkley Meridian, a new specialty insurance business created by combining Verus Specialty Insurance and Vela Insurance Services.

Marlo M. Morrison, who joined Verus Specialty Insurance as president in 2019, will serve as president of the new entity. She has nearly 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, with a background in primary and excess liability, professional lines, and reinsurance.

According to the company's statement, Berkley Meridian will combine underwriting capabilities across construction, professional liability, garage, casualty, and other specialty lines, with a focus on the excess and surplus wholesale broker market. Integration has begun and is expected to continue into early 2027.

W. Robert Berkley, Jr., chairman, chief executive officer, and president of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said, "Berkley Meridian will create a powerful combination of two exceptional teams, allowing us to further leverage our expertise to provide a broader and deeper suite of solutions. Under Marlo's leadership, distribution partners and customers can expect an unmatched combination of service, dedication, speed, and technology."

W. R. Berkley Corporation, founded in 1967, operates in two segments of the property casualty insurance business: Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess.