As part of this leadership expansion, Jeffrey Updyke has been appointed Head of North America Lower Middle Market, where he will lead all strategic efforts aimed at providing product and service offerings geared toward that specific segment to distribution partners and mutual clients. Ben Rockwell, Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, North America Middle Market, will be his boss.
"In recent years, we have seen significant growth in both our small commercial and lower middle market businesses, necessitating more dedicated support for both dynamic segments," Mr. Lupica explained. "Ketan brings a strong technology and engineering background, as well as a proven track record in the digital space, and will assist in evolving our capabilities to provide a cutting-edge approach to small business."
Mr. Lupica continued: "Jeff has a strong reputation among our North American distribution partners and is a trusted leader with a long track record of success in branch and home office leadership positions. Our lower middle market segment is rapidly expanding, and this expansion of leadership will enable us to deliver products and services tailored to the specific needs of this underserved segment, such as Benchmarq, our newest package offering."
Mr. Vaidya has nearly two decades of experience in the field. Prior to joining Chubb, he was Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Credit One Financial, where he oversaw the company's digital product management and transformation strategy, as well as the development of strategic partnerships and alliances with key technology firms. Previously, he held a number of other digital leadership positions with companies such as Comcast NBC Universal and Capital One Bank. Mr. Vaidya earned an MBA in E-Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina State University, where he was a Summa Cum Laude and University Scholar.
Mr. Updyke began his career as an Excess Casualty Underwriter with Chubb in 1991. He was previously the Division President of North America Small Business. Previously, he was Chubb's Chief Operating Officer of North America Field Operations, a position he held since 2016. Mr. Updyke graduated from Saint Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.