Everest Insurance has hired Jeff Benzin as vice president and head of the Midwest region.

Benzin joined from Avant Underwriters, where he was vice president of alternative risk. He will be based in the Chicago office.

The company also hired John Romano as vice president to develop business in Denver, where he is based, and across the Midwest region. He joined from XL Insurance Group.

Everest Insurance refers to the primary insurance operations of Everest Re Group Ltd.