The Hilb Group

The Hilb Group is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group. This private equity backing allows the firm to maintain an aggressive, acquisition-led growth strategy. It also creates a specialized client channel — the firm operates a dedicated service desk for fellow Carlyle portfolio companies, offering tailored employee benefits and risk-management solutions.

Growth is driven primarily through acquisitions of entrepreneurial local insurance agencies. The firm's M&A team, led by EVP R. Judson Elliott, Jr., targets independent brokerages, integrating them into a national platform. The acquired partners retain their local brand identity and client service while gaining access to Hilb's national resources and specialty expertise.

The Hilb Group operates across four major practice areas: commercial insurance for businesses and assets, personal insurance for families and valuables, employee benefits plan design and compliance, and specialty insurance spanning more than 30 niche areas. Employee benefits captives and pharmacy contract negotiations are specific capabilities highlighted for mid-size and larger clients.

The stated model combines the resources, scale, and breadth of a large national broker with the localized, personal service of a small independent agency. Practically, this is built on a hub-and-spoke structure: a central Richmond headquarters provides capital, compliance, and analytics, while over 185 local branches deliver client-facing service and underwriting.

Day-to-day financial and acquisition decisions run through CEO Richard G. Spiro and EVP of M&A R. Judson Elliott, Jr. Ryan Havermann, SVP of M&A, handles agency sourcing and deal execution. Financial oversight and strategy sit with CFO Aida Sukys, who joined from Willis Towers Watson.